Gibson-Todd House

The Gibson-Todd House is a residential building in Charles Town featuring Norman and Romanesque Revival architecture distinguished by a distinctive conical tower. The structure stands at the corner of East Washington Street and displays the ornate design elements typical of its era.

The house was built by John Thomas Gibson, the first owner and commander of the Virginia Militia, who used stones from the demolished Jefferson County jail in its construction. The site is connected to a significant execution that took place between 1859 and 1860.

John Thomas Gibson, the first owner and commander of Virginia Militia, constructed a memorial using stones from the demolished Jefferson County jail.

The house remains private property and cannot be entered, so visitors are limited to viewing it from the exterior. The best vantage point is from the public sidewalk on East Washington Street, where historical markers and information displays provide context about the site.

Several prominent historical figures attended the execution at this site, including military leader Stonewall Jackson, John Wilkes Booth, and author Henry David Thoreau. The presence of these diverse personalities made the event a notable convergence of different perspectives on American history.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 39.28530,-77.85590

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43