Historic Preservation
Happy Retreat historic preservation/restoration notes and updates.
“Grand Idea” Historic Painting Depicting George Washington’s 1784 Visit to Happy Retreat
The figures depicted in the historical painting are (l-r), Billy Lee, George Washington’s enslaved servant who often traveled with him; Colonel Charles Washington, General George Washington, Edward Snickers and General Daniel MorganIn ... read more
Restoration Milestones: West Wing Completion and East Wing Renovation Plans
West Wing Earlier this year, we completed the restoration of the front room in the west wing. This is the oldest and most significant room at Happy Retreat. We believe it was the first part of the house built by Charles Washington in read more
Major Projects Completed!
With our Save America’s Treasures match money in hand, we went right to work in January to complete work on three large projects. The first project was to install steel reinforcing beams in the basement under the floors of each of the ... read more
History of the Octagon Building and Recent Progress
A Short History of the Octagon Building We believe the octagon building dates to the late 18th Century and to the time of Charles Washington’s ownership of Happy Retreat. This significant building is the only one of its kind of that ... read more
Octagon House at Happy Retreat
We have moved the Octagon House to its new location. We are not finished but we are getting there. It will be placed on a newly constructed foundation. We also have our newly restored Smoke House/Stone Kitchen/Enslaved Quarters open. ... read more
Happy Retreat Master Plan
Last year, we engaged the firm Landmarks SGA to develop a master plan for both the Happy Retreat house and grounds (Landmarks SGA also managed the beautiful restoration of Charles Washington Hall in downtown Charles Town). The concept ... read more
The Stone Kitchen/Smoke House Dedication
The Stone Kitchen/Smoke House Dedication at Happy Retreat was held on June 18th, 2022. Photos from the event can be viewed below.Photos of the inside of the newly restored Stone KitchenEvent Gallery read more
October 2021 Restoration Update
Showroom Great progress has been made on the restoration of the Show Room. As reported in the May issue, a window which exactly replicates the original window in the east wall has been installed in the west wall, replacing a 20th ... read more
Historic Letter from Frances Bassett Washington to Martha Washington (March 1793)
Introduction: HISTORY AT IT’S BEST FROM INSIDE HAPPY RETREAT, by Marjorie Gaestel Those that know me know that one of my favorite Happy Retreat subjects is the portrait of the lovely Frances Bassett Washington that hangs in one of our ... read more
Historic Sewing Machine Donated to Happy Retreat
Friends of Happy Retreat is appreciating a personal donation given to us by a descendant of Charles and Mildred Washington. This sewing machine belonged to Francis Washington, Jr. and his wife Lucy Walters Washington and their daughter read more