Charles Town, the County seat, was founded in 1786. It is named after George Washington's younger brother Charles who laid out the town, lived here, and named the streets after his family members. Charles Town is the place where John Brown was jailed, tried and hanged in 1859 following his raid on Harpers Ferry. It is presently a serene city steeped with history, as seen in its 18th century residences on tree-shaded streets.

     Harpers Ferry was founded over 50 years earlier, in 1732. It is located at the junction of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers where West Virginia and Maryland meet. During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry was a major ob-jective for the Confederacy, which considered it the key to Washington. Stonewall Jackson captured numerous Union soldiers in Harpers Ferry before the Battle of Antietam in 1862, and the area suffered extensive damage in the war. The Harpers National Historic Park was established in 1944 as a national monument. This 2,224 acre park is now a tourist attraction and includes a restored old town.

     Shepherdstown, located on the Potomac, is the oldest town in West Virginia. It was the site of the first steam powered engine by James Rumsey on the Potomac. A monument stands in his honor today. Shepherdstown is also the home of Shepherd College, a co-educational 4-year degree school with over 4,000 students.

     Jefferson County was once primarily agricultural and still strives to retain its rural character. However, diversified industries also haven been developed in the county. Significant employers in the county include: a thoroughbred horse track & gaming, Norm Thompson, A B & C, Royal Vendors, Dalb, Columbia Gas, Halltown Paperboard, Supertane, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Center, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, and Appalachian Fruit and Berry Research Laboratory, an experimental farm run by West Virginia University, regional U.S. Coast Guard training center, Leetown Science Center, a training center government employees, and a regional training center for the Internal Revenue Service.

     Recreation abounds in Jefferson County and the region. In fact, our moderate climate and four distinct seasons favor outdoor activities. You and your family will enjoy a full array of recreations options from use of 5 area golf courses or skiing - two hours away - to thoroughbred racing at the Charles Town Races, mountain biking on the C & O Canal Towpath, as well as tennis, swimming, whitewater rafting, racquetball, horseback riding, boating, fishing and hunting. Jefferson County is the sportsminded person's dream come true.

     Cultural and social life is rich in Jefferson County. From community theatre and the performing arts to garden clubs, historical societies and cultural events, opportunities abound to attend or participate in enriching activities of your choice. Twice a year the juried Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival offers a distinctive sampling of the finest arts, crafts, entertainment and foods of the region.

     The scenery in Jefferson County is breathtaking, with blooming orchards and rolling pastureland fringed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yet what new people find most remarkable is the courtesy and friendship extended to them by residents.

     Jefferson County is the fastest growing County in West Virginia, and because of it's accessibility from several primary roads, U.S. Interstate 81 and the MARC line commuter train, is attracting increasing numbers of Washington area commuters seeking a more pastoral living environment.

     Families thrive in Jefferson County. Freed from the time-consuming hassle of urban gridlock and the paranoia of crime-ridden cities, you'll enjoy family life to the fullest. Organized activities for all age groups are available.

POPULATION	1980	1990	1998
Jefferson County	30,311	35,926	38,000±