Charles Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Charles Town which includes street scenes and a small town or village
Charles Town showing a monument and heritage elements
Charles Town
Charles Town featuring heritage elements
Charles Town

George Washington’s brother, Charles, founded this town. View parts of his original abode along with other historically important buildings.

Charles Town is known for its associations with the Washington family. It’s also the site where prominent abolitionist John Brown was hanged before the American Civil War began. Get familiar with the town’s past at historical homes and play slot machines at the casino.

The town was founded in 1786 by Charles Washington, George Washington’s younger brother. As you explore, notice that the streets are all named after Washington family members, including his brother Samuel and wife Mildred and a square named after George.

Visit Happy Retreat, the one-time home of Charles Washington. Admire the Greek Revival-style structure from outside. The interior is not generally open to the public.

Another major historical site in town is the Gibson-Todd House, an architecturally eclectic building dating back to the late 19th century. Look for the marker on the grounds, indicating the spot where abolitionist John Brown was hanged for attempting to incite a slave rebellion.

Stroll down Washington Street to see the still-functioning Jefferson County Courthouse where Brown was tried. Learn more about the history of Charles Town and the surrounding region at the Jefferson County Museum.

When you’ve exhausted the town’s heritage attractions, enter the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Watch thoroughbreds racing, hope to get lucky on some of the 2,700 slot machines, play table games or enjoy a meal at an on-site restaurant. Other fun activities in the region include tastings at Bloomery Plantation Distillery, which produces a range of flavored liqueurs.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the trails and bird-watching at the nearby Shannondale Springs Wildlife Management Area or playing a round of golf at Sleepy HollowCountry Club.For evening entertainment, attend a performance at the intimate Old Opera House theatre.

Charles Town is just over an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. The nearest train station is in Harpers Ferry, about 7 miles (11 kilometres) away. Delve into history of the Civil War era and beyond at this small Appalachian town.

Holiday Inn Express Charles Town by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Charles Town by IHG

2.5 out of 5
681 Flowing Springs Rd, Charles Town, WV
The price is ฿3,076 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿3,076
฿3,475 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charles Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Eggs, sausage, potatoes

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Charles Town by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Charles Town/Harpers Ferry

Days Inn by Wyndham Charles Town/Harpers Ferry

2 out of 5
642 E Washington Street, Charles Town, WV
The price is ฿2,103 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,103
฿2,376 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Charles Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
All in all, the stay was good and I would stay there again.The location was close to the Village of Appomatox. The rooms were clean except for stains on the floor and chairs. The breakfast that was advertised wasn't fantastic. It was cold cereal and a bit of fruit.

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Charles Town/Harpers Ferry
Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town

Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town

2.5 out of 5
157 Pimlico Dr, Charles Town, WV
The price is ฿3,690 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿3,690
฿4,133 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Charles Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Great location with a free shuttle to the casino. Clean, new, friendly staff, good breakfast.

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

Brushcreek Falls RV Resort

3 out of 5
5127 Eads Mill Rd, Princeton, WV
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Princeton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (100 reviews)
We loved the Emperor's suite! This was the perfect alternative to a hotel for us. The suite was cute and cozy with a barndimonium/cabin feel. This is a beautiful property and there were many family-friendly activites! There was a little confusion on our booked dates, but Tina handled it quickly and ...

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

Brushcreek Falls RV Resort
Fieldstone Apartments & Studios

Fieldstone Apartments & Studios

2 out of 5
930 E Grafton Rd, Fairmont, WV
Stay at this apartment in Fairmont. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Wave Pool and High Level Bridge are located nearby.
Fieldstone Apartments & Studios
Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses

Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses

4 out of 5
150 Lakeview Dr, Morgantown, WV
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Morgantown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lakeview Resort Golf Course and ...
6.8/10 (20 reviews)
Quality for the price
Stay was great, property is a little dated but clean and comfortable. We did have some minor trouble with bed slats but all in all a very pleasant and fun trip.

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Charles Town

3
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 100%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Unable to form an opinion sole purpose to attend a wedding