Charles Town was founded in 1786 by George Washington’s brother, Charles. The Washington legacy is most visible at Zion Episcopal Church cemetery where more than 70 family members are buried and at Happy Retreat, Charles Washington’s home. Charles named the streets after family members and reserved the four main corners in the heart of town as public space. They remain so today anchored by the Greek Revival Jefferson County Courthouse with its four-faced clock tower, setting for two of America’s three pre-World War II treason trials.
African-American history is notable in Charles Town, highlighted by the restored Fisherman’s Hall and in the tributes to Martin Delany. Born in Charles Town, Delany was a physician, author and Major in the U.S. Colored troops, the only African-American Civil War officer to be given a field command.
Built on the site of John Brown’s jail, the Charles Town Post Office achieved its own place in history as launch site for the first rural free delivery in 1896.
The limestone underpinnings of the town are riddled with caves and an underground lake.
History provided Charles Town with tree-lined streets bordered by historic homes, many of them grand. Recent cityscape efforts have burnished the image of this walkable town now filled with dining and shopping. Entertainment includes community theater at the Old Opera House and thoroughbred races and gaming at Charles Town Races and Slots.
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