 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Appalachian Trail / Loudoun Heights |
| Site of an important Civil War skirmish resulting in the Confederate occupation of Harpers Ferry in 1862, Loudoun Heights today is part of the Appalachian Trail, offering panoramic views of Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley. Tel: 304-535-6298 or 304-535-6029 For information: www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/trail/wv.html |
|
 |
Blakeley |
| One of the great houses along the Washington Heritage Trail built by descendants of the first president. Although privately owned, it can be viewed from the Claymont Court driveway. |
|
  |
Boteler's Ford and Boteler's Mill |
| Follow German Street east as it bends toward the Potomac River. The road becomes River Road, with ruins of an old mill on the left and plaques on the right marking the location of a ford that was a crucial river crossing during the Civil War, and the place where General Robert E. Lee crossed with his army after the Battle of Antietam. These plaques are part of a system of War Department markers placed around Antietam National Battlefield Monument in the 1890s to identify the positions of individual units.Also see our Self-guided Tours page. For information: www.wvcivilwar.com/sheptown.shtml |
|
 |
Charles Town Racing and Slots |
 |
Featuring live thoroughbred racing Wed.-Sat., simulcast dog and horse racing from around the country, along with all the latest video slots—and a new non-smoking gaming area. A variety of dining choices is available, from snack bars to fine restaurants. Open daily. On Rt. 340, just outside of Charles Town. For information: www.charlestownraces.com |
   |
Claymont Court |
| The most elaborate of the Washington houses on the Trail, and the only one open to the public for special events, Claymont Court is owned by the Claymont Society for Continuous Education, which hosts retreats, seminars, and community events. About 3.8 miles southwest of Charlestown on Huyette Road, off Rt. 340. Tel: (304) 725-4437 For information: www.claymont.org |
|
| |
Halltown Memorial Chapel |
| A late-Gothic revival limestone structure built entirely by volunteers in 1901 for the black community, it is one of the many buildings along the Trail that present and interpret the area’s rich African-American heritage. Off Rt. 340 on Rt. 340/12 near Halltown. Tel: (304) 725-8628 For information: www.charlestownwvmuseum.org |
|
| |
Harewood |
|
Samuel Washington, a brother of George Washington and the first of the family to move to this area, occupied this house in 1770. Here, in 1794, James Madison married Dolley Payne Todd, whose sister Lucy was then mistress of the estate. (Privately owned by direct descendants of the first president's family.) On Rt. 51, 2.8 miles west of Charles Town. |
| |
Middleway Historic District |
| Originally settled around 1730, this picturesque hamlet became a thriving trading center known as the "Paris of the Valley" for its numerous shops and craftspeople. It is also the site of the "Wizard's Clip," a local legend dating from 1783, in which clothing and linens were shredded into half-moon shapes because a traveler was allowed to die without the blessings of a priest. Today, Middleway's colonial charm offers visitors a respite from the hectic pace of modern life--and an occasional visit by the legendary Wizard. On Rt. 51, west of Charles Town. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the Jefferson County Museum. |
|
| |
Morgan's Grove Park |
| In 1775, Daniel Morgan and Hugh Stephenson departed with their troops from Morgan Grove on the famous Beeline March, joining George Washington's Continental Army in Boston, 24 days later. Today, the surrounding area, including Morgan's Grove Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park, adorned with pavilions, hiking trails, soccer fields, and a community pavilion, serves as an idyllic site for public gatherings. Its picnic facilities are available for rental. On Rt. 480, 1/2 mile south of Shepherdstown. Tel: 304.728.3207 For information: www.jcprc.org/page12.html |
|
| |
Nearby Attractions - Antietam National Battlefield Memorial |
|
A tour of the Washington Heritage Trail would not be complete without a visit to the Antietam National Battlefield Memorial. The Battle of Antietam claimed more than 23,000 men killed, wounded, and missing in a single day, September 17,1862, and led to Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Open year-round, with many seasonal events of interest. For travel directions and information: www.nps.gov/anti/directions.htm |
| |
Nearby Attractions - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park |
| George Washington’s dream of making the Potomac River navigable sowed the seed for what became the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Begun in 1828, the 185-mile canal was completed from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, and operated until 1924. Today the canal's towpath provides a continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley, making it a great attraction for biking and hiking. For maps and information: www.nps.gov/choh |
|
| |
Peter Burr House |
| The Peter Burr House, the oldest standing wood frame structure in West Virginia, is a rare example of an early settlement period family homestead. Now being restored as a Living History Farm where you can learn about the past, present, and future of Jefferson County agriculture. Open for seasonal events. For information: www.preservehistory.org/current_pburr.html |
|
| |
St. George's Chapel Ruins |
|
The first Anglican church in the area, for which George Washington's brother Samuel was church warden, was built around 1771. Samuel's home, Harewood, still stands a short distance away. On Rt. 51, southwest of Charles Town. |
| |
Summit Point Raceway |
| As well as holding regular sports car, motorcycle, and go-kart races, Summit Point Raceway also conducts specialized driver training programs for recreational driving, accident avoidance and police driving. Open from March through November for racing, and year round for driver training, by appointment. On Rt. 13 in Summit Point, about 8 miles southwest of Charles Town. Tel: (304) 725-8444 For information: www.summitpoint-raceway.com |