Happy Retreat History
History at its Best: Intent to Petition by Charles Washington & Petition of Charles Washington and Others to Create the Town of Charles Town
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
“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
WV Humanities Council Grant to Further Study of Enslaved Community
In 2019, Happy Retreat facilitated and participated in the presentation “What We Found When We Came Together: Shared Roots Beneath Jefferson County Walls.” The presentation at Fisherman’s Hall, in Charles Town, recounted a compelling ... read more
History at its Best: Family Life at Happy Retreat
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
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
From Inside Happy Retreat – History at its Best
Coming Home to Happy Retreat I am starting a “Coming Home” Series, featuring stories from families who once lived at Happy Retreat. With available research we are going to try and recognize residents all the way back to the Charles ... 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