Jefferson County

Carved from Maryland and Virginia by the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Jefferson County is part of both river valleys. It was surveyed in the mid-18th century by a young George Washington who purchased his first piece of land here and encouraged his brothers to do likewise. There are six remaining Washington family homes in the county. Named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the county was officially created from Berkeley County in 1801.

Other notable historic figures made Jefferson County their home including Revolutionary War generals Horatio Gates at Traveller’s Rest and Charles Lee at Prato Rio. During the Civil War, Jefferson County provided more troops to the Confederacy than any Virginia locale other than the Richmond area. Tidewater accents can still be heard among the oldest families.

Agriculture remains a significant user of open lands. Horse and hay farms that serve the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races share countryside with historic buildings and suburban housing developments. Black culture has a long history in the county and is celebrated each August during the Jefferson County African American Cultural & Heritage Festival.

Historic towns define the county’s daily life as well as providing attractions for visitors: Harpers Ferry and Bolivar with a National Historical Park; Shepherdstown, home of Shepherd University; and Charles Town, county seat and historic Washington homeplace.