Peter T. Washburn graduated from Dartmouth College and practiced law in Vermont. He served in various roles within the state government and militia, including as a colonel in the Vermont militia and Adjutant General and Inspector General of the state militia. Washburn played a significant role in organizing and leading military units during the Civil War and post-war periods, including commanding troops at the Battle of Big Bethel. He later transitioned into politics, serving as governor of Vermont and working on state legislative reforms. Washburn also contributed to international commerce and transportation initiatives, including organizing the Woodstock Railroad Company.

Peter T. Washburn's political identity is marked by a blend of military leadership and progressive governance. His strategic philosophy reveals an unexpected convergence of traditional military roles with forward-thinking economic policies. Washburn's appointment of Ann Eliza Smith to a militia commission, recognizing her bravery during the St. Albans Raid, showcases a willingness to challenge gender norms within military structures. His involvement in international commerce and railroad development highlights a calculated approach to regional economic growth, balancing industrial interests with broader national objectives.