ERA Liberty Realty

Charles Town, WV Area Guide

General Information

Small town charm is every where you look in Charles Town! Small but with a big heart, the population of just fewer than 3,000 will welcome you with open arms and friendly smiles. Laid out by its founder, Charles Washington in 1786, George’s youngest brother left his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia and moved to the Lower Shenandoah Valley.

Today, Charles Town is a city and the county seat of Jefferson County honoring its history with such things as the Heritage Day Celebration. Come see what small town life can be like with the right neighbors. You’ll love it here!

History

In 1786 Charles petitioned the Virginia General Assembly for permission to incorporate a town. The petition was granted and Charlestown, Virginia was founded. In addition to naming the town for himself, Charles memorialized the Washington family by the naming of town's streets. The main street, running east to west is named Washington Street. Cross streets are named for family members with the Town Square named in honor of brother George, the streets to the east named for his bother Samuel and wife Mildred, and the streets to the west named for himself and his brother Lawrence. In a show of patriotism the streets parallel to Washington are named Congress and Liberty.

In 1803, the first public building to be occupied was the Jefferson County Courthouse in the Town Square. Replaced in 1836 by a larger courthouse, the new one became the setting for the trials of John Brown and his followers. Following the Civil War, the county seat was temporarily moved to Shepherdstown, but by 1871, the new courthouse was built and the county seat returned to Charles Town.

In 1908, the Farmers and Merchants Deposit Bank was built and today houses the offices of the City of Charles Town. Through the years, Town Square has reflected the many changes of Charles Town, meeting adversity with the same perseverance they meet prosperity with, growing into a town that is a strong, lively community.

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Attractions and Activities

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Come enjoy exciting, friendly games at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and have a great time! A great lineup of promotions are available for each and every customer to win cars, cruises, cash or even a brand new house! To learn more, click here:

Old Opera House Theatre Company
In 1910, Annie G. Packette raised $50,000 and hired an architect from Washington D.C. to design and construct the New Opera House. A classic theatre structure, it lived through two wars, a depression and the invention of radio.

When it went dark in 1948, it stayed that way until 1971 when Dixie Kilham and Robert and Diane Angel contacted the owner of the old abandoned theater, asking about producing local shows. Today, the Old Opera House Theater performs shows, including six mainstage productions, one summer children’s show and theatre camp as well as dinner theatre and concerts. For more information, click here:

Jefferson County Museum
Located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, the Jefferson County Museum is a trip back in time for visitors. Come visit and see history before your very eyes!o learn more, click here:

Parks and Recreation

Come enjoy one our three parks, beautifully maintained by the city of Charles Town, including our skate park! All you need are your tennis shoes, and your fun!

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Events

Join us for celebrations from Heritage Day to Fourth of July and Christmas! We celebrate the love of our city with lots of good food and good times!

For a calendar of events, click here: