Washburn (Arikara: iinetuhkatákux [iineetUkatákUx] ) is a city in McLean County, North Dakota in the United States. It is the county seat of McLean County. The population was 1,246 at the 2010 census. Washburn was founded in 1882 and became the county seat in 1883. The city's name honors General W. D. Washburn.