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For 250 years, Chatham Manor has dominated the heights opposite Fredericksburg on the banks of the Rappahannock River. Follow Chatham's history from slave plantation to Civil War, from ruin to rebirth, from private property to a protected historic site. This 14-minute film is shown at Chatham Manor when the house is open. About ChathamEnslaved laborers and craftsmen built Chatham Manor in 1771 at the direction and financing of William Fitzhugh. The large Georgian structure’s location atop Stafford Heights and its visibility from Fredericksburg put the Fitzhughs’ wealth and status on display for everyone around. In addition to owning hundreds of thousands of acres and at least one hundred enslaved people, the Fitzhughs were related to and good friends with other well-known Virginians like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and George Mason. The non-stop social requirement of hosting friends and relations drained Fitzhugh's purse. As a result, Fitzhugh sold Chatham 35 years after moving in. ![]() Chatham Cultural Landscape
Dive into the Chatham's cultural landscape and discover the history of this ever-changing place. ![]() The Chatham Hospital
Learn about the patients and care workers who passed through Chatham Manor after the Battle of Fredericksburg. ![]() Chatham Grounds: A Walking Tour
Explore the historic grounds of Chatham Manor in this guided audio walk. Explore Chatham's History |
Last updated: October 14, 2023