One of the most famous architects in Kansas, Washburn had an office in Ottawa for 60 years. He made his mark during the boom days of the 1880s and 1890s when the 'look' of Ottawa was established. His signature structure in Ottawa is the Franklin County Courthouse, built in 1891-1893. Washburn-designed homes can be seen at 410 S. Elm, 312 E. 11th, 320 E. 11th, 534 S. Cedar, and 507 S. Cherry. An amazingly talented architect, he designed 13 courthouses across Kansas and innumerable public buildings. He is buried at Highland Cemetery on E. 15th (from Main, ¾ mile east on 15th) in the Washburn mausoleum.