John Washington (1800 - September 16, 1863) was a hydrographer, Royal Navy officer, and founding member of the Geographical Society of London. In May 1812, Washington joined the Royal Navy and in November 1814 entered the Royal Naval Academy. He graduated from the Academy in May 1816 and on January 1, 1821 was promoted to lieutenant. He was one of the original members of the Royal Geographical Society and from 1836 until 1841 served as its secretary. He gained the rank of captain on March 16, 1842. Over the course of his career, Washington served on nearly one dozen different Royal Navy vessels. He became Hydrographer of the Navy following the resignation of Sir Francis Beaufort in 1855. He died at Le Havre on September 16, 1863.