Organic gardening in Charles Town, West Virginia

The Charles Washington House, located in Charles Town, West Virginia, is a stately Federal/Greek Revival style home overlooking the town and surrounded by 12 acres of beautiful lawns and woods. This historic house was once owned by Charles Washington, the founder of Charles Town and brother of President George Washington. The Friends of Happy Retreat, a non-profit organization, have partnered with the City of Charles Town to acquire and preserve this important piece of history for public use. The institution hosts a variety of events and programs, including jazz concerts, house and garden tours, classical music performances, and heritage fairs. They also conduct research on the enslaved community at Happy Retreat, shedding light on an important aspect of African American history in Jefferson County. The goal is to restore Happy Retreat as a cultural community center and heritage tourism destination, offering a hub for arts festivals, music celebrations, and cultural activities.