Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Charles Town Located? - Charles Town is a city located in the Jefferson County of West Virginia, United States. Charles Town lies between 40.2968979 Degrees North latitudes and 111.6946475 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Town Map, West Virginia, USA
Where is Charles Town?: The Google Map showing the location of Charles Town in the U.S. state of West Virginia.
Where is Charles Town Located?
Charles Town is a city located in the Jefferson County of West Virginia, United States. Charles Town lies between 40.2968979 Degrees North latitudes and 111.6946475 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Charles Town city is 6534 people and the city has a total area of 5.83 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Nearby Cities and Towns to Charles Town, West Virginia
Ranson, West Virginia - 2 mi
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia - 8 mi
Shepherdstown, West Virginia - 13 mi
Leesburg, Virginia - 21 mi
Martinsburg, West Virginia - 24 mi
Winchester, Virginia - 26 mi
Frederick, Maryland - 29 mi
Purcellville, Virginia - 18 mi
Brunswick, Maryland - 12 mi
Washington, D.C. - 67 mi
Charles Town, West Virginia Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
41
23
2.8
April
67
44
3.3
July
87
67
3.8
October
68
46
2.8
Annual
66
45
39.5
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Annual Rainfall
About 39.5 in
Annual Sunshine Days
About 197 days
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
Very low hurricane risk and low tornado risk
Snowfall
About 22 in annually
Driving Distances from Charles Town, West Virginia
City
State
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Ranson
West Virginia
2
5 min
Harpers Ferry
West Virginia
8
15 min
Brunswick
Maryland
12
20 min
Shepherdstown
West Virginia
13
20 min
Purcellville
Virginia
18
25 min
Leesburg
Virginia
21
30 min
Martinsburg
West Virginia
24
30 min
Winchester
Virginia
26
35 min
Frederick
Maryland
29
40 min
Washington
District of Columbia
67
1 hr 20 min
Transportation and Connectivity in Charles Town, West Virginia
Transportation
Details
Airport Name
Washington Dulles International Airport (nearest major airport)
IATA Code
IAD
Port
No commercial port
Major Highways
West Virginia Route 9, U.S. Route 340, West Virginia Route 51
Train/Amtrak Service
Amtrak and MARC service at nearby Harpers Ferry
Local Bus/Transit Service
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA)
West Virginia Route 9 and U.S. Route 340 provide convenient access to Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and Maryland.
Washington Dulles International Airport is approximately 40 miles southeast and serves domestic and international travelers.
Amtrak's Capitol Limited and MARC commuter rail service are available at nearby Harpers Ferry.
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) provides public transportation throughout Jefferson County and neighboring communities.
Charles Town is known for its historic downtown, Charles Town Races, and close association with George Washington's family and the history of Harpers Ferry.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Charles Town, West Virginia
Landmark Name
Type
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Casino and Horse Racing Track
Jefferson County Courthouse
Historic Courthouse
Zion Episcopal Church
Historic Church
Happy Retreat
Historic Estate
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Jefferson County Museum
History Museum
Locust Hill Golf Course
Golf Course
Cool Spring Nature Preserve
Nature Preserve
Claymont Court
Historic Mansion
Old Opera House Theatre Company
Performing Arts Theater
Colleges and Universities in and near Charles Town, West Virginia
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
American Public University System
Private
University
Online higher education, business, public service, and technology programs
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Public
Community and Technical College
Healthcare, skilled trades, and workforce education
Shepherd University
Public
University
Liberal arts, education, business, and music
West Virginia University at Potomac State College
Public
College
Associate and bachelor's degree programs
Shenandoah University
Private
University
Health sciences, pharmacy, business, and performing arts
Waterbodies in Charles Town, West Virginia
Shenandoah River, Potomac River, Bullskin Run, Evitts Run, Opequon Creek, Lake Louisa, Sleepy Creek Lake, Shenandoah Lake
Golf Courses in and near Charles Town, West Virginia
Locust Hill Golf Course, Cress Creek Golf Club, Rock Harbor Golf Course, Stoneleigh Golf and Country Club, Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club, The Golf Club at Lansdowne, Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, Black Rock Golf Course
Charles Town, West Virginia - Key Historical Facts
Charles Town was established in 1786 by Charles Washington, the youngest brother of George Washington, and was named in his honor.
The city became an important commercial and governmental center for the lower Shenandoah Valley during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Charles Town is closely associated with abolitionist John Brown, who was tried, convicted, and executed at the Jefferson County Courthouse in 1859 following his raid on Harpers Ferry.
The community experienced military occupation and several troop movements during the American Civil War because of its strategic location near the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Horse racing has long been part of the local economy, with Charles Town Races evolving into one of West Virginia's premier racing and entertainment venues.
Today, Charles Town is recognized for its historic downtown, colonial heritage, nearby Civil War sites, tourism, and growing role within the Washington metropolitan region.
