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African-American History Tour |
| The Jefferson County Black History Preservation Society has prepared a self-guided tour of significant sites in Charles Town and vicinity. A tour map is available at the Jefferson County Museum. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
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Charles Town Racing and Slots |
| Featuring live thoroughbred racing Wed.-Sat., simulcast dog and horse racing from around the country, along with all the latest video slots—and a new non-smoking gaming area. A variety of dining choices is available, from snack bars to fine restaurants. Open daily. On Rt. 340, just outside of Charles Town. For information: www.charlestownraces.com |
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Edgehill Cemetery |
| Contains the remains of participants in the Harpers Ferry raid of 1859, including that of Capt. John Avis, the Charles Town jailer who cared for John Brown and accompanied him to his execution. Located at the end of Congress Street. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
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Jefferson County Courthouse |
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Visit the famous courthouse where John Brown was tried and convicted for treason in 1859. The Greek Revival structure, which dates from 1836, was also the site of the 1922 trial of William Blizzard and Walter Allen, coal miners accused of treason against the state of West Virginia. While treason trials have been a rare occurrence in the United States, it is interesting that Charles Town has been the site of two such trials. Today the building remains a working courthouse and is open for guided tours. Located at Washington and George Streets. Open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
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Jefferson County Museum |
| This local history museum houses documents, artifacts, and period furnishings as well as a large Civil War collection that includes the wagon that carried John Brown to the gallows. Located on the ground floor of the Old Charles Town Library Complex at 200 East Washington St. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
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Old Opera House |
| Commissioned by a Washington family descendent, the Opera House was built in 1910 and continues to present a wide selection of musical and dramatic performances. Located at Liberty and George Streets. For reservations: (304) 725-4420 For information: www.oldoperahouse.org |
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Site of John Brown's execution |
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At 515 South Samuel Street, on the site of the present Perkins-Todd House (privately owned), a gallows was erected for the execution of John Brown in 1859. Nearly 800 troops were posted to keep order, including a unit headed by Major Thomas Jackson, later called Stonewall Jackson. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
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Summit Point Raceway |
| As well as holding regular sports car, motorcycle, and go-kart races, Summit Point Raceway also conducts specialized driver training programs for recreational driving, accident avoidance and police driving. Open from March through November for racing, and year round for driver training, by appointment. On Rt. 13 in Summit Point, about 8 miles southwest of Charles Town. Tel: (304) 725-8444 For information: www.summitpoint-raceway.com |
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Zion Episcopal Church and Cemetery |
| The present church building, which dates from 1851, replaced the original Anglican churches built in 1816 and 1846. More than 75 members of the Washington family (including 20 born at Mt. Vernon) are buried in the graveyard. Located at 300 Congress Street. For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |