chatham manor

I visited in the fall of 2014 and even though much of the gardens were coming out of season, the site was still beautiful. This small estate is situated on the bank of a river and provides beautiful photo opportunities with its varied flora and architecture.

The history this home has seen since its construction in the 1760s is truly astounding. Very wealthy families have lived there, major colonial political people have lived and visited here, it was a Civil War hospital, and it was restored beautifully to its colonial era splendor. My guide was fantastic, and I would recommend a visit to anyone interested in American history!

It was cold the day I visited Chatham Manor, but it was still a beautiful walk on the property, around the property and through the Manor. We got there a little late, so we didn't get to talk with the employees at the manor for historical discussions. The view above over the river looking over Fredericksburg is a special appreciation of what must have went on their during the civil war. I would like to visit in the spring or fall and get yet another view of a step back in time.

I have been coming here for years to walk the grounds and have taken the tour once or twice. The tour is worth it, the view is spectacular across the river, and the manor's history is a bit haunting.

We drove across the river to Chatham on the recommendation of the NPS workers at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. So very glad we came here. After hearing so much of the war and battles, this house put things into perspective. The view of Fredericksburg across the river is incredible. There is a replica of one of the pontoons from the pontoon bridge here. In the house you can see the room used as a hospital and the trees where the amputated limbs were piled up. In January, there wasn't much growing, but I imagine in the summer months the gardens are beautiful.

We took out-of-town guests to see Chatham Manor. Since we live nearby, we have often walked the grounds with our dogs. This visit was our first where we went inside the house. No cost for entry. The docent gave our kids five fact cards that are similar to baseball cards. The movie was good and not too long--even the kids (10-16 years old) were able to pay attention the whole time. The exhibits would probably take a full hour to read, but we rushed through them. We always enjoy the view of downtown Fredericksburg from the grounds. The town recently took down all the trees that had grown up between the house and Rapahannock River to restore the grounds to their Civil War era state. The gnarled old trees that have been there as long as the house are amazing, although they are being held together by bolts.Bathrooms are located in a building next to the carriage house near the parking lot.

We have visited this beautiful home many times over the years and the most recent Dec 2014. This home was built in the late 1700s and is currently maintained by the National Park Service. The tours are free. The home is not lavishly furnished like other plantations we have visited, but it is very interesting. The outlying gardens are remarkable and extremely well maintained. The surrounding grounds have a lot to see and enjoy. The view of the river and town of Fredericksburg is remarkable. This home is also known as the Lacy house. During the battle of Fredericksburg this house was the Yankee headquarters.

This is one of the spots from which Union commanders oversaw efforts to capture the city of Fredericksburg, then to attack Lee's army where it was dug-in at the top of the hill behind the city. From here, the commanders could see at least 2 of the 3 sites chosen for pontoon bridge crossings and watch the fierce fighting required to build, then cross those bridges. The front lawn of the Manor House is probably the only location from which you can get a look at the overall situation of the battling armies. While the Battlefield National Park has preserved the Sunken Road and Marye's Heights where the Confederates established their defenses, the hundreds of yards of open ground that rose from the city to those defensive positions and over which thousands of Union men attacked in vain have not been protected and are now filled with houses, roads, trees, etc. which make it impossible to get a sense of the battlefield from the former Confederate lines. Chatham Manor was also the location of a Union hospital during and after the battle and the place where both Walt Whitman and Clara Barton first served as "nurses" to Union wounded. The house and grounds have gone through several owners and modifications since 1862, but the interior contains exhibitions explaining the battle and the history of the Mansion that are worth seeing. The grounds also include an attractive walled garden (20th c.). See the Manor, then go to the Battlefield National Park Visitors' Center across the river.

NPS site with amazing views of the city. My six year old receives collectors cards which kept him engaged. The inside is not much, but the grounds and supporting buildings make you get a good impression of how this was a working farm.

Chatham manor is a lesser known historical site in the Fredericksburg area, perhaps because the owner was not well known in the political realm; however, many dignitaries visited Chatham Manor and enjoyed their beautiful naturalistic gardens.

We had not heard much about Chatham, except the recommendation of the museum guide. After seeing the museum movie about the battle of Fredericksburg, the role that Chatham played became more vivid. The history from working plantation to battle hospital to resort was interesting.

This is a great place to walk around as well as in the manor. The best part is that it is FREE! Plus, during the spring all of the flowers in the garden are gorgeous and make for great pictures!

The short video about the property is quite interesting and highlights the long history of the place. It is a museum and not a restored home. Very little in the way of furnishings. Also a great view of Fredericksburg across the river. In the summer I expect the gardens are nice too.

What a beautiful and peaceful house! Chatham is a manor which served as a hospital for most of the war. Many famous people visited the house such as, President Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson. The volunteer inside the home was very helpful and nice, and even walked us around the grounds to show us interesting things. He did point out a tree that is over 200 years old! I would say stop if you want to see a gorgeous view of the city and also learn interesting facts about the house!

They have just cleared away the trees and opened up the view of Fredericksburg as it would have been during the time of the Civil War. It is a beautiful house, but could do with a few more artefects. Well worth a visit.