Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat is the 1780 home of Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town and youngest brother of George Washington. The Friends of Happy Retreat is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization working to purchase, restore, develop, and operate the historic Happy Retreat for public enjoyment and education, for encouragement of area economic development through heritage tourism, and for the enrichment of community life through programs in the arts, culture, and history.
For updates on Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat, please visit The Project page!
Join us to support Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat! It’s easy to contribute your tax-deductible gift through our secure link with Network for Good.
Or you may send your donation by check made payable to “Friends of Happy Retreat” to:
Treasurer
Friends of Happy Retreat
Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat
P.O. Box 1427
Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Thank you!
In tribute to
William G. Gavin 1924 – 2010
It is with deep regret that we bring you news of the death of William Gavin, who owned Happy Retreat with his wife, Mary. Bill Gavin died of a heart attack at his home on February 8, 2010. He was 85. We are grateful for the Gavin family’s support of the Friends of Happy Retreat’s efforts to realize Bill’s vision to make Happy Retreat a community resource for future generations.
The Washington Family Homes Tour
Saturday, September 18, 2010
10AM – 5PM
Click Here for Tickets
Washington Homes Tour brochure. Click here for details about each home.
The Washington Homes Tour, now in its third year, offers one of the most enjoyable and educational ways to support our work to renew Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat.
This year’s event—on Saturday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—offers you the rare opportunity to visit not one or two but four remaining Washington Family Homes in Jefferson County, West Virginia: Charles Washington’s Happy Retreat; Harewood, the 1770 estate of George’s older brother Samuel; Claymont, the elaborate 1840 mansion built by the president’s grand-nephew, and Beallair, built in the late 1790s and later owned by Lewis Washington, who was held hostage during John Brown’s Raid on nearby Harpers Ferry.
On the day of the tour you also may purchase your ticket at $25 to tour all four homes or buy individual tickets for $10 per home. Tickets will be for sale at each home.
CLICK HERE for Directions to the Homes
For more living history, period architecture, and family fun on September 18, be sure to visit the Charles Town Heritage Festival, in the center of town. For information, visit www.historiccharlestownwv.com
The Holiday Inn Express Charles Town hotel is sponsoring a special rate of $119.00 per night for Washington Family Home Tour visitors from September 17 – 19, which includes one tour ticket. The total with tax is $147.56.
The reservation deadline is September 5. For reservations, visit www.hiexpress.com/charlestownwv or call 304.725.1330.
