Charles Town, West Virginia, is more than a gambling venue. Visitors will discover a treasure trove of history in Charles Town, along with a picturesque collection of homes, churches and public buildings.

Many are surprised to learn that the town was named for George Washington’s younger brother, Charles, who made his home there in 1786, 38 years after George, a 16-year-old surveyor, fell in love with the area. George saved his earnings and purchased land along Bullskin Run, a few miles from what is now Charles Town. He told his brothers Lawrence, Samuel and Charles of this place and they also bought substantial acreage here. Lawrence also owned Mt. Vernon and, upon his death, willed it to George, who moved there in 1752.

‘Happy Retreat’

Charles built a house, called Happy Retreat, that is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Charles had a one-room law office, also still standing, from which he sold the lots of his new town. Friends of Happy Retreat, a local organization, is working to purchase this property and develop it for public use. For information, e-mail FOHRPres@happyretreat.org. Samuel’s house, Harewood, is still in the Washington family today.

When Charles laid out the town in 1786, he did two things that have stood the test of time: He named Main Street “Washington Street” for the family and the cross streets – George, Samuel, Mildred, Charles and Lawrence – for family members.

Walking tour

Charles Town is easy to tour on foot and takes you through 11 blocks of historical properties. Stop by the Charles Town Visitors’ center at 108 N. Charles Street to get a walking tour brochure and map. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. For information, call 1-304-728-3939.

A highlight on the tour is the Zion Episcopal Church and Cemetery (on Congress Street, between Mildred and Church streets), where you can find graves of more than 70 Washington family descendants. During the Civil War, Federal troops quartered here desecrated the church almost beyond recognition by dismantling it and destroying the pews. The present church was completed in 1851.

A must-see on your agenda is the Jefferson County Museum. The museum, located on the first floor of the Library-Museum on East Washington Street, contains local artifacts from the early Native Americans up to World War II. There is something for everyone: Civil War relics and uniforms, fine silver and china, photographs, antique dolls and toys, engravings and many other beautiful and historical items.  The museum also houses an original letter penned by George Washington from Mt. Vernon in 1799 to his cousin. In the center of the museum stands the wagon that carried abolitionist John Brown to his execution for treason after his ill-fated raid on Harper’s Ferry. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, April through November. Admission is $3 for adults. Children under 18 are free. For information, visit www.JeffCtyWVMuseum.org or call 1-304-725-8628.

Historical bed & breakfasts

Visitors wishing to stay in historical bed and breakfasts should check out these two: the Washington House Inn Bed and Breakfast, 216 South George Street, or The Carriage Inn, 417 E. Washington Street.

The Washington House Inn is a charming example of late Victorian architecture. Built in 1899 by descendants of George Washington's brothers John Augustine and Samuel, the inn was owned by Washington family members until 1939. The B&B has antique furnishings, carved oak mantles, telephones, data ports, DSL, cable TV, and spacious guest rooms, each with air conditioning, ceiling fans and private baths. For information, visit www. Washingtonhouseinnwv . com.

The Carriage Inn, built in 1836, is a grand federal home and the meeting place of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Gen. Philip Sheridan in 1864 to discuss Civil War strategy.  This historical home has been carefully restored and lovingly decorated to reflect the beauty of this gracious era. For information, visit www.  carriageinn. com.