He was a regular supporter of the Western Railroad in its efforts to develop the railroad westward from Boston.[5] Washburn asserted that railroads could "... ward off the attack of any invader." [6] He would serve in the state legislature again in 1838 and 1877. From 1830 to 1834 he served on the staff of Governor Levi Lincoln, Jr., and in 1841 he was elected to the State Senate, where he served two years.