Happy Retreat is the home built by Charles Washington, founder of Charles Town, West Virginia, and President George Washington’s youngest brother. Located on the edge of historic Charles Town, the property includes the 18th Century mansion, a stone and brick kitchen/storehouse, an old octagonal wooden school house and 12 acres of woods and lawns.
Located in the rapidly growing Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia – just 55 miles northwest of Washington D.C. - the property is vulnerable to development. It's owners are interested in selling the historic estate and wish to ensure that Happy Retreat be preserved in its entirety for the enjoyment of future generations.
Recognizing the threat to this historic property, a group of local preservation-minded citizens has formed the Friends of Happy Retreat, Inc. (FOHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to acquiring, preserving and utilizing the property for public benefit. A purchase option has been signed by the current owners and FOHR which should allow us sufficient time to raise the funds necessary to acquire the property.
How YOU can help preserve Happy Retreat!! Tax-deductible donations are urgently needed from individuals, foundations, small businesses, corporations and other organizations who share FOHR’s interest in the preservation of Happy Retreat. With your help, we can breathe new life into this historic estate as a center celebrating the arts, culture and rich history of the Washington family and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Donations can be made by mailing checks to:
Treasurer
Friends of Happy Retreat
P.O. Box 1427
Charles Town, WV, 25414
Contributions can also be made by credit card through Network for Good using the link below:
Our Newsletter :
The Rising Sun is Friends of Happy Retreat's newsletter and a means of informing the public of recent and upcoming events and accomplishments. CLICK HERE to read the most current edition. Comments on the content and utility of the Rising Sun are welcomed through our guest book or by email to the editor, Emily Wilson, at ewilson@happyretreat.org
Our Guestbook :
We now have an online guestbook. Please let us know you were here, and lend your thoughts and ideas. CLICK HERE.
Latest NEWS:
Fundraiser to help save Happy Retreat!
ALL YOU CAN EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST at APPLEBEE’S
kindly donated by applebee's
Saturday, May 17, 2008
8-:00 ~10:00 am
Applebees in Ranson WV
Pancakes, Sausage, Juices, Milk, Coffee and Iced Tea
Adults: $5.00
Kids $2.50
Tickets available from Friends of Happy Retreat or at the door.
Call 724-7956 for more information or tickets
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Washington Family Legacy Proposal Moves Forward. Several individuals representing the National Park Trust and Friends of Happy Retreat have recently developed a proposal for a federal study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing or adding to an existing national park to celebrate the Washington family legacy in Jefferson County. The executive summary of this proposal follows.
The Washington Family Legacy National Park
A proposal for federal legislation to authorize and fund a suitability and feasibility study
for a National Park unit in Jefferson County, WV.
April 5, 2008
It is a little known fact that General George Washington and his extended family played a significant role in the settlement of Jefferson County, West Virginia, and its surrounds. A coalition of Jefferson County government agencies and organizations has developed a proposal for federal legislation to study the suitability and feasibility of including four Washington Family properties located in Jefferson County within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, or establishing a new Park unit, to celebrate the Washington family history in Jefferson County. Federal ownership would protect and preserve four of the most significant of the Washington family estates in the nation, while simultaneously stimulating economic development in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle through enhanced heritage tourism. The project sponsors have requested that members of the West Virginia congressional delegation introduce legislation in the 110th Congress authorizing the National Park Service to conduct the study, funded through a $250,000 FY09 appropriation.
The initiative to preserve the Washington family legacy has received overwhelming local support. The Jefferson County Commission and the four county municipalities have passed resolutions of support and many other organizations representing a cross section of Jefferson County have written letters of support as well. The coalition is continuing to seek similar letters of support from other local organizations, as well as endorsements from state and national organizations.
The county, where twelve Washington family homes were built between 1750 and the early 1800's, is home to unparalleled historic resources related to the Washington Family. The study would include four of the remaining eight properties: Happy Retreat, Claymont Court, Blakeley, and perhaps most significantly, the Bullskin Plantation, now known as Rock Hall, which was one of George Washington's first land purchases. The owners of these Washington family estates have indicated a willingness to participate in the study, and to sell their properties to establish a unit of the National Park Service that celebrates the Washington family history in Jefferson County. Four inter-connected Washington family estates for sale simultaneously represent a unique opportunity for preserving these national treasures. Although the legislative and National Park Service processes are often lengthy, the need to expedite them is great, since these Washington estates are currently threatened by potential development and deterioration.
It is likely that the ultimate preservation of these properties will necessitate a public/private partnership much like Philadelphia's Independence National Historic Park and the Gettysburg Battlefield Visitor Center. Therefore, the proponents of this initiative are seeking appropriate support from individuals, corporations, and foundations that value the Washington Family Legacy and wish to participate in its preservation and celebration through such a joint venture.
Given the historic connection to George Washington and his family, the potential to acquire these icons of the Washington Family Legacy is a once-in-a-century opportunity. Much like the vision held by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, we believe preservation of this Family Legacy merits recognition on a national level to ensure that it takes its rightful place in our nation’s heritage.
Contacts:
Kit McGinnis at the National Park Trust in Charles Town, WV at (304) 728-3506 or kit@parktrust.org
Curt Mason, President, Friends of Happy Retreat, (304) 724-7008 or cmasonwhf@aol.com
LINKS:
Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission he Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission operates under the auspices of the Jefferson County government and is charged with aiding the county government and its citizens in the protection and preservation of the county's historic resources. Five Landmarks Commission members are appointed by the Jefferson County Commission and serve three-year terms.
Jefferson County Historical Society The goal of the Society has changed little from its early days: “The Society has been organized for the purpose of collecting and preserving books, papers, records, writings, relics, etc., relating particularly to the History of Jefferson County and partly to that of West Virginia.” The Society publishes both a quarterly newsletter, The Guardian, and an annual report, The Magazine of the Jefferson County Historical Society, which typically contains several articles about local historical places, people, and events. The Society has also published a hard bound book describing many historic resources in the county, "Between the Shenandoah and Potomac: Historic Homes of Jefferson County, WV," and a DVD describing the history of the county from pre-colonial days to the present.
Jefferson County Museum The Jefferson County Museum contains artifacts from the early Native Americans up to World War II, including Civil War relics and uniforms, fine silver and china, photographs, antique dolls and toys, engravings and many other beautiful and historical items. The museum is located at 200 East Washington Street, Charles Town WV 25414 and can be reached at 304.725.8628 or email Curator@JeffCtyWVMuseum.org
The Washingtons of Jefferson County is an on-line chronological summary of events concerning the many members of the Washington family who settled in the county. It is based on an interview with John Augustine Washington conducted in 2001 and discusses many little-known facets of the Washington family history in the county.
Jefferson County Listener on the Web The Jefferson County Listener provides on-line information to help protect scenic, rural, historic & cultural resources in Jefferson County and examines contemporary issues concerning development, preservation and similar concerns affecting the quality of life in the Eastern Panhandle.
Berkeley County Historical Society The Berkeley County Historical Society is a focus group dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of history in Berkeley County West Virginia. Its mission is to develop the Belle Boyd House as an educational center depository for historical papers and materials; restore and protect the artifacts, documents, and manuscripts; write, research, publish and continue to develop architectural and genealogical materials for public access and catalog and document all artifacts and items donated or loaned to the Berkeley County Historical Society.
The Mosby Heritage Area The National Park Service-designated Mosby Heritage Area encompasses all, or a portion, of the counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William, Warren, Clarke and Rappahannock in Virginia as well as a portion of Jefferson County, West Virginia. The Mosby Heritage Area Association creates awareness of this distinctive area, educates the public about its unique qualities, and promotes its preservation. Visitors resources such as brochures, driving tours, and audiotape tours of Civil War highlights are provided on the web site which assist the reader to explore the Mosby Heritage Area. In addition, a list of events celebrating the history of the area and a description of the MHAA's exciting and ambitious program focusing on Education & Awareness, Heritage Tourism and Advocacy for Preservation initiatives are provided.
Mount Vernon
http://www.mountvernon.org/
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
http://www.glenburniemuseum.org/
