Charles Town in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Happy Retreat

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 27, 2008

1. Happy Retreat Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Now called Mordington, home of Colonel Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia). His brother General George Washington often visited him here. Colonel Washington died in September 1799. He and his wife Mildred are buried on the estate.

Erected 1932 by Jefferson County Historical Society of West Virginia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1799.

Location. 39° 16.97′ N, 77° 51.535′ W. Marker is in Charles Town, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Mordington Ave. and Mordington Rd., on the left when traveling north on Mordington Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charles Town WV 25414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Brown Scaffold (approx. ¼ mile away); John Brown Hanging Site (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of the Execution of John Brown

Happy Retreat (Mordington) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, September 27, 2008

2. Happy Retreat (Mordington)

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Martin Robinson Delany (approx. 0.3 miles away); Samuel Washington House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Stone House / Star Lodge No. 1 (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Thomas Marker (approx. 0.3 miles away); Charles Town Schools (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charles Town.

Also see . . .
1. History of the City of Charles Town, WV. City website entry (Submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

2. Friends of Happy Retreat - Historic Home of Charles Washington. This non-profit organization, dedicated to acquiring, preserving and utilizing the property for public benefit, has issued a call to save Happy Retreat from encroaching development. (Submitted on January 19, 2009, by Curt Mason of Charles Town, West Virginia.)

3. "Happy Retreat" - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry (Submitted on February 2, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Happy Retreat Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Curt Mason, circa August 7, 2007

3. Happy Retreat Mansion

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,181 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 19, 2009, by Curt Mason of Charles Town, West Virginia.