[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I celebrate the 225th 
anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Charles Town, WV. 
Charles Town has a rich history and heritage of great significance not 
only to West Virginia but to the entire nation.
  Charles Town was originally founded in 1786 in what was then 
Virginia. The city was named after Charles Washington, the brother of 
our first President, George Washington. Charles Washington moved to the 
lower Shenandoah Valley in 1780 and there he began building his home 
known as ``Happy Retreat.'' In 1786, he asked the Virginia State 
Legislature for permission to incorporate a town there, which he named 
``Charles Town.'' After Charles Washington's death, Charles Town became 
the county seat of newly formed Jefferson County.
  Our Nation's focus turned to Charles Town in 1859 with the trial and 
execution of abolitionist John Brown and his followers after their 
historic raid on Harper's Ferry. The trial proceedings, and the words 
uttered by John Brown in Charles Town on the institution that held 
millions of Americans in bondage, helped shape our Nation's debate on 
issues surrounding the Civil War. When Virginia seceded from the Union, 
Charles Town became part of the newly created State known as West 
Virginia. Today, visitors come to Charles Town from all over to view an 
area steeped in the history of our Nation.
  Charles Town has undergone many changes over 225 years. And those 
many changes are evident in its abundance of historic sites, including 
its architectural landmarks and museums, and transitions over time in 
its local economy. The residents of Charles Town have always met these 
changes with courage and vision, and have confronted challenges with 
resilience and strength of spirit. They are proud and hard-working, and 
will undoubtedly help carry the city into a promising future.
  The city's local leaders--both past and present--also deserve credit 
for the city's success. Their leadership and inspiration have guided 
Charles Town as it has developed and grown, while remaining true to its 
heritage and our West Virginia values. I join Mayor Peggy Smith and the 
city council in celebrating this momentous occasion.
  Two hundred twenty-five years ago, Charles Washington had a vision 
for the city of Charles Town and the people of the lower Shenandoah 
Valley who would establish their lives there. And, as the citizens and 
leaders of Charles Town look ahead, I believe strongly that the city 
continues to hold great promise for a prosperous future.

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