Historical Markers and War Memorials in Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Town is the county seat for Jefferson County
Charles Town is in Jefferson County
Jefferson County(349) ► ADJACENT TO JEFFERSON COUNTY Berkeley County(107) ► Washington County, Maryland(875) ► Clarke County, Virginia(75) ► Frederick County, Virginia(231) ► Loudoun County, Virginia(345) ►
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On Country Club Road, 0.5 miles north of US 340, on the right when traveling north.
Colonel Lewis Washington, who lived here, was one of the hostages captured by John Brown in 1859 in his raid on Harpers Ferry. When captured, Brown wore a sword, once owned by George Washington, taken from this home. (1 Mi. N.). — — Map (db m12066) HM
On Huyett Road at Augustine Ave., on the right when traveling west on Huyett Road.
Bushrod Corbin Washington, grandnephew of General George Washington, built this home in 1820. It was destroyed by fire, 1838, and rebuilt. Later it was the home of Frank R. Stockton, novelist, who here wrote his last book. (2 Mi. SW) — — Map (db m12636) HM
On South Seminary Street at East Avis Street, on the right when traveling south on South Seminary Street.
On December 16, 1836, Andrew Hunter and his wife Elizabeth sold this lot to the Trustees of the City of Charles Town and their successors in office forever, for the sum of fifty dollars. This lot was intended for and always be used as a potters . . . — — Map (db m157734) HM
On Middleway Pike (West Virginia Route 51) 0.3 miles west of Ambler Road, on the right when traveling west.
A half mile southwest is the mansion built by John B. and Lucy Washington Packette in 1840. The center of conflict between Generals Early and Sheridan on August 21, 1864. Marks of the cannonading and musketry fire are yet visible. — — Map (db m157729) HM
On South West Street at West Congress Street, on the right when traveling south on South West Street.
On February 17, 1787, Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town, executed a deed granting a lot to the Board of Trustees of the Charles Town Presbyterian Church. Washington was paid 20 pounds "current money of Virginia" for the lot which was in . . . — — Map (db m170356) HM
On South West Street at West Congress Street, on the right when traveling south on South West Street. Reported permanently removed.
The first school for African-Americans in Charles Town started in December 1865 at the home of Achilles and Ellen Dixon, African-Americans who lived on Liberty Street. It was taught by Freewill Baptist Missionary Anne Dudley.
Between 1868 . . . — — Map (db m132452) HM
On South Mt. Parvo Street at West Congress Street, on the right when traveling south on South Mt. Parvo Street.
This 5.26-acre waterside community park was created through a collaborative effort by the City of Charles Town, the Evitts Run Conservancy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the West Virginia Department of Environmental PRotection. . . . — — Map (db m148888) HM
The Federal offensive in the Shenandoah Valley begun in May 1864 faltered in the summer with Confederate victories and Gen. Jubal A. Early's Washington Raid in July. Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan took command in August, defeated Early at . . . — — Map (db m238785) HM
On Washington Street (U.S. 340) at South George Street (Route 151), on the left when traveling west on Washington Street.
Founded in 1786 by Charles Washington, brother of the President. Here John Brown was tried and convicted of treason. Home of W. L. Wilson, Postmaster General, 1896, who here started the first rural free delivery in America. — — Map (db m1650) HM
On South George Street (West Virginia Route 115) at Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling south on South George Street.
On the site of this Post Office stood the Jefferson County Jail where John Brown and his fellow prisoners were confined after their raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859.
After court trial John Brown was taken from the Jail here to his death on . . . — — Map (db m2027) HM
On Congress Street at Charles Street, on the left when traveling west on Congress Street.
Following the election in 1846, Jefferson County became one of the first counties in Virginia to approve free schools for white students. Prior to that time boys and girls paid to attend private academies. The county was divided into 27 districts . . . — — Map (db m103644) HM
On North George Street (West Virginia Route 115) just north of West Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling south.
Situated on one of the four corners laid out by Charles Washington. Dedicated for public use, the Hall has served as a market house, dance hall and restaurant. — — Map (db m148886) HM
On George Street at Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on George Street.
You now stand in the center of a town that is almost as old as the United States, laid out on 80 acres of Washington lands in 1786 - four years before the First President took office.
Charles Washington, youngest of the five brothers of the . . . — — Map (db m12600) HM
On East Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51) near George Street (West Virginia Route 115).
Exitus Acta Probat. 1738–1799. In Memory of Colonel Charles Washington, brother of General George Washington and founder of Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1786. The four corner lots at Washington and George Streets were . . . — — Map (db m2029) HM
To the Glory of Patriotism
In memory of
Abraham Davenport
and his wife
Mary Simms.
Their seven sons were
soldiers of the
American Revolution
———————
Stephen, Abraham, John,
Marmaduke, . . . — — Map (db m103512) WM
On S Seminary Street at E Congress Street, on the left when traveling south on S Seminary Street.
Edge Hill Cemetery contains the graves of Fontaine Beckham and John Avis, two participants in the saga of John Brown’s Raid in October 1859. Beckham was the mayor of Harpers Ferry then and one of four civilian casualties. Ironically, though John . . . — — Map (db m41672) HM
On North George Street (West Virginia Route 115) near East North Street, on the right when traveling north.
On January 1, 1863. when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, he declared persons
held as slaves in states that were in rebellion to be free. Lincoln specifically exempted the counties of present-day WV save Jefferson, which had . . . — — Map (db m203915) HM
On Congress Street west of George Street (West Virginia Route 115), on the left when traveling west.
In 1799, prominent Charles Town resident Samuel Washington sold the two lots that house this building to James Duke, a freed indentured servant. Eventually, physician Charles Taylor Richardson took ownership of the land and property. Dr. Richardson . . . — — Map (db m103606) HM
On Congress Street west of George Street (West Virginia Route 115), on the left when traveling west.
Etter Hall is named after American Public University System's (APUS) founder, Major James P. Etter. Major Etter served in the United States Marines for twenty-one years. He served two tours in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts. Major Etter . . . — — Map (db m103607) HM
On George Street at Washington Street on George Street.
Explore the Washington Heritage Trail George Washington knew the portion of the Shenandoah Valley that forms West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle well. The Washington Heritage Trail lets you drive the scenic backroads that join Charles Town to . . . — — Map (db m12596) HM
On North Samuel Street at East Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling north on North Samuel Street.
Jefferson County’s association with significant events in Civil War history began in October 1859, when abolitionist John Brown raided the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Quickly captured, Brown and his followers were brought here to Charles Town . . . — — Map (db m41671) HM
On E. Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling east.
Grave of Robert Rutherford, member of committee which in 1775 replied to orders of Lord Dunmore for Virginians to join British army or be held as rebels. This defiance was a gauntlet hurled at Dunmore's feet. (1½ Mi. N. E.) — — Map (db m12624) HM
On E. Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.
Grave of Robert Rutherford, member of committee which in 1775 replied to orders of Lord Dunmore for Virginians to join British army or be held as rebels. This defiance was a gauntlet hurled at Dunmore's feet. (1½ Mi. NE) — — Map (db m12630) HM
On Route 9 Bike Path, 0.8 miles north of Currie Road, on the right when traveling north.
This working farm was established in 1750 when Thomas Lord Fairfax granted 400 acres of his 5 million-acre Northern Neck Proprietary to Henry Lloyd. In 1774, the grant passed to Walter Baker, who is credited with building the original portion of . . . — — Map (db m207034) HM
There sleeps beneath
all that was mortal of
GEORGE W. TURNER
Born at
Wheatland in the County of Jefferson
Jany. 11th 1814.
Graduated at West Point 1831,
and fell nobly maintaining the
rights of his State at
Harpers . . . — — Map (db m103553) HM
On Mordington Ave. at Mordington Rd., on the left when traveling north on Mordington Ave..
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 . . . — — Map (db m12070) HM
On Middleway Pike (West Virginia Route 51) east of Earle Road (West Virginia Route 51/1).
Erected in 1771. The home of Colonel Samuel Washington, County Lieutenant. His brother General George Washington visited here and General Lafayette and Luis Phillipe of France were entertained here. In this house James Madison and Dolly Payne Todd . . . — — Map (db m1914) HM
On West Washington Street (State Highway 51) at West Water Street on West Washington Street. Reported missing.
Famous watering site for the Union Soldiers and Horses during War between the States.
Restored 1967 by Charles Town Women's Club
Restored 1987 by Charles Town Women's Club, City Council & Bicentennial Committee — — Map (db m58627) HM
On Charles Town Rd (West Virginia Route 9) at John Ressler Road on Charles Town Rd.
Thomas Mayberry agreed in 1742 to erect iron furnaces on the property of William Vestal. Here ore was mined and iron produced for the first time west of the Blue Ridge. Washington visited the iron furnaces here in 1760. — — Map (db m59576) HM
On North George Street at East Washington Street (U.S. 340), on the right when traveling north on North George Street.
In this courthouse, John Brown, the abolitionist, was tried and found guilty of treason, conspiracy and murder. He was hanged four blocks from here on December 2, 1859. — — Map (db m1742) HM
On South Samuel Street at East Hunter Street on South Samuel Street.
This is where seven men were hanged in December 1859 and March 1860 for their part in John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry. The scaffold stood here in a large field. A month after the trial, on December 2, 1859, John Brown was the first to die. He . . . — — Map (db m41650) HM
On S. Samuel Street at Hunter Street, on the left when traveling south on S. Samuel Street.
Within these grounds a short distance east of this marker is the site of the scaffold on which John Brown, leader of the Harpers Ferry raid, was executed December the Second, 1859. — — Map (db m12603) HM
On East North Street east of North Mildred Street, on the right when traveling east.
John Blessing was born in Germany and came to the United States and made his home in Baltimore, Maryland. He moved to Charles Town 1853 and purchased a large brick building on the corner of Charles and Washington Streets (Now known as the Shugart . . . — — Map (db m132445) HM
On South Lawrence Street, 0.1 miles south of West Washington Street.
Erected by Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of West Virginia, Free and Accepted Masons, Incorporated In tribute to John Thomas Marker of Star Lodge #1, Charles Town First Most Worshipful Grand Master 1881 The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of . . . — — Map (db m10645) HM
On E Washington Street (U.S. 340 Bus) at N George Street, on the right when traveling west on E Washington Street.
Jefferson County, Virginia placed this stone originally in a schoolhouse near Shepherdstown as a tribute to · · John Yates · · The founder of the Free School System in this county Moved to its present location 1937. [ Lower Marker: . . . — — Map (db m41726) HM
On East Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51) just east of South Mildred Street, on the right when traveling east.
Born in 1835 in Jefferson County, he joined the 2nd VA Infantry and was wounded at Bolivar Heights in October 1861. Commissioned acting master, Confederate States Navy, in 1863, he operated as a privateer. In 1864, Beall failed in a plan to free . . . — — Map (db m157730) HM
On Seminary Street at Congress Street, on the left when traveling south on Seminary Street.
Lock Graveyard relocated by
W.V.D.O.H. from the Flynn Farm
on the north side of Harper's
Ferry Pike, east of Charles
Town, W.V.
February 27, 1989 — — Map (db m103493) HM
Near Sheriden Drive just south of St. Andrews Drive, on the left when traveling south.
When George Washington surveyed his brother Samuel’s Berkeley County land in preparation for the building of Harwood, the property included a sizable portion which has since been separated from the Harwood Estate. Dr. Samuel Washington, Colonel . . . — — Map (db m159433) HM
Major James Gibson
Son of Andrew Gibson and Sarah Hopkins,
was born August 10, 1776, at
Lancaster, Penna. Came to
Winchester, Virginia with
his parents in 1779.
Commissioned by
Governor Cabell in 1807
Captain of Hampshire . . . — — Map (db m103494) HM WM
On George Street (West Virginia Route 115) north of Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling north.
Free African-American, born 1812 in Charles Town. Died 1885. Ability to read forced family to move to PA in 1822. Studied medicine and attended Harvard in 1850. Published Mystery, first black newspaper west of Allegh. 1843-47, & co-edited . . . — — Map (db m12639) HM
On South Lawrence Street, 0.1 miles south of West Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
Erected in tribute to Martin Robinson Delany
Born free May 6, 1812 Lawrence and North Streets Charles Town, VA (W VA) Son of Samuel Delany (slave) and Patti Peace Delany (free) grandson of African prince Prince Hall Mason physician, scientist, . . . — — Map (db m168916) HM
On West Liberty Street at North Lawrence Street, on the right when traveling east on West Liberty Street.
Martin Robison Delany was born in Charlestown, Virginia (now Charles Town, West Virginia) on May 6, 1812. His mother, Patti Peace was a free black woman. She married an enslaved man from Berkeley County named Samuel Delany. They had five children . . . — — Map (db m132450) HM
On North George Street (West Virginia Route 115) at Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51) on North George Street.
Washington Hall, the building in which this restaurant is located, was destroyed by fire started by Union soldiers in the Civil War. It was restored by the people of Charles Town in 1874. The first floor was used as a market house from the time the . . . — — Map (db m2028) HM
On North Lawrence Street south of West Liberty Street, on the right when traveling north.
From this one-room office Charles Washington, brother of George Washington, sold lots in the City of Charles Town which he founded in 1786. — — Map (db m132451) HM
On South Lawrence Street, 0.1 miles south of West Washington Street, on the right when traveling south.
Old Stone House. Star Lodge No. 1 and Queen of the Valley Lodge No. 1558, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, two African-American fraternal organizations, bought Old Stone House in 1885. Star Lodge sole owner since 1927. One of oldest extant . . . — — Map (db m24678) HM
On Earle Road (County Route 51/1) south of Middleway Pike (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling south.
The original brick house was built on land owned by Lawrence Augustine Washington, the son of Samuel Washington, George’s brother. The present mansion-house, in an excellent state of preservation, was built about 1825. During the battle of . . . — — Map (db m1885) HM
On Middleway Pike (West Virginia Route 51) east of North Ridge Drive. Reported missing.
This chapel was built by devout people of (then) Frederick Parish. Frederick County, Virginia joined Col. Robert Worthington in completing it in 1769. It was first called the English Church, then Berkeley Church, then Norborne Chapel, as the parish . . . — — Map (db m2026) HM
On E Washington Street (U.S. 340 Bus) at S Seminary Street, on the right when traveling east on E Washington Street.
The Federal offensive in the Shenandoah Valley begun in May 1864 faltered in the summer with Confederate victories and Gen. Jubal A. Early's Washington Raid in July. Union General Philip H. Sheridan took command in August, defeated Early . . . — — Map (db m238786) HM
On South George Street (West Virginia Route 115) north of West Avis Street, on the right when traveling south.
Samuel Washington was the brother of George Washington, first President of the United States. Born in 1734, Samuel Washington served as Justice of the Peace, County Magistrate, County Sheriff, and parish vestryman in Stafford County, Virginia. . . . — — Map (db m132449) HM
Serg't Littleton Tazewell Cordell
Mar. 22. 1882 - Oct. 23. 1918.
110th. Bat. Mach. Gun Co.
29th. Div. Blue & Gray.
Killed in Action at Battle
of Etraye Ridge,
Argonne Forest. France.
"In life loved,
in death remembered"
By . . . — — Map (db m103573) WM
On Seminary Street at Congress Street, on the left when traveling south on Seminary Street.
Erected
to the memory of the
Confederate Dead
April 26, 1871
by the
Lee Memorial Association
of Jefferson County
———————
There's grandeur in graves, there's glory in gloom
For out of . . . — — Map (db m103464) WM
On East Liberty Street west of North Samuel Street, on the right when traveling east.
On these grounds stood the first school for "colored" in Jefferson County. In 1867, the Freedmen's Bureau established this school at the home of Achilles Dixon, a blacksmith. Its first teachers were Annie Dudley and E.H. Oliver. It remained a school . . . — — Map (db m132446) HM
On East Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51) just west of South Church Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Flagg House
323 East Washington Street
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
circa 1820 — — Map (db m157735) HM
On Summit Point Road (County Road 13) 0.2 miles west of McCormack Lane, on the right when traveling east.
1730 John and Isaac Van Meter, sons of Dutch immigrant Jobst Jansen Van Masteren, obtained grants for 40,000 acres in then Berkeley County, VA. from Virginia Lt. Gov. Gooch.
1731 Jost Hite, a German immigrant, purchased this land . . . — — Map (db m173642) HM
On East North Street east of North Mildred Street, on the right when traveling east.
This stone house represents one of the earliest stone structures built and owned by free Blacks in Charles Town. It was completed in 1830 by James H. Webb. Located on what was originally known as the "The Old Highway", travelers journeying from . . . — — Map (db m132443) HM
On E Washington Street (U.S. 340 Bus) at S Seminary Street, on the right when traveling east on E Washington Street.
Union General Philip Sheridan used this home as his headquarters during the Civil War. On the 17th of September, 1862 Sheridan met Gen. U.S. Grant here to plan the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign. — — Map (db m41725) HM
On George Street (West Virginia Route 115) at Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling north on George Street.
One of the most famous trials in American history was held in this building in 1859, when John Brown and his followers faced charges of treason against Virginia, inciting slaves to rebel, and murder. Judge Richard Parker presided.
The trial . . . — — Map (db m170247) HM
On South George Street (West Virginia Route 115) south of East Washington Street (West Virginia Route 51), on the right when traveling north.
Born in November 1820, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Thomas Green relocated to Charles Town where he began practicing law in 1843. Later, he became a judge and the Mayor of Charles Town. When John Brown's selected legal counsel did not appear in time . . . — — Map (db m193315) HM
On George Street at Washington Street on George Street.
Jefferson County's Most Famous Trial
In the room immediately behind this wall, the abolitionist John Brown and five of his raiders were tried for treason against the state of Virginia, murder and inciting slaves to rebel. Brown had led 21 men . . . — — Map (db m21767) HM
On Lord Fairfax Parkway (U.S. 340), on the right when traveling south.
West Virginia. (Jefferson County). “The Mountain State”—western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French . . . — — Map (db m1783) HM
On Congress Street at Charles Street, on the left when traveling west on Congress Street.
The Williams House was built between 1900 and 1914 by the Blum family as their private residence. After moving to Charles Town, Dr. Leah Mildred Williams, a female physician, purchased the home in 1954. Dr. Williams began her family medical practice . . . — — Map (db m103643) HM
On E Congress Street at S Church Street, on the right when traveling east on E Congress Street.
The present church, the fourth on this site, was completed in 1851. Federal troops occupied it during the Civil War and severely damaged it. The churchyard contains the graves of many Washington family descents. They are buried near the eastern . . . — — Map (db m41675) HM
