Assembly Row | Somerville

Chatham Manor is a historic plantation house located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The structure is a two-and-a-half-story Georgian-style manor constructed primarily of brick. The exterior features a symmetrical facade with a central portico supported by four Doric columns. The roof is hipped, and the building is painted a pale yellow with white trim. The interior layout includes a central hall with rooms on either side, typical of Georgian architecture.

Location & Access Logistics

Chatham Manor is situated approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) north of downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, directly across the Rappahannock River. Access is via State Route 601 (Chatham Road). Ample free parking is available on-site. Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity are limited; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Chatham Manor began around 1768, commissioned by William Fitzhugh. It served as the primary residence of the Fitzhugh family, a prominent colonial Virginia family. The site's ecological origin is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by fertile riverine soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the grounds and gardens. Interpretive signage details the manor's role during the Civil War, particularly its use as a Union hospital and observation post. Walking tours of the exterior and grounds are available. Access to the interior of the manor is generally restricted to special events or by appointment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the property. Shaded areas are present within the gardens and along the riverfront. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable. No on-site food vendors are present; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in Fredericksburg.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the manor and grounds. The months of April through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. No specific tide requirements affect access.

Facts & Legends

During the Civil War, Union soldiers used Chatham Manor as a hospital and a vantage point to observe Confederate movements across the Rappahannock. It is documented that Abraham Lincoln visited the site during the Battle of Fredericksburg to survey the battlefield from the manor's grounds.

Nearby Landmarks

• Fredericksburg Battlefield (0.8km Southwest)
• Mary Washington House (2.5km Southwest)
• Historic Downtown Fredericksburg (3.2km Southwest)
• Kenmore Plantation and Gardens (3.5km Southwest)