Chatham
One of the most interesting points of historical interest to all who visit Fredericksburg is the magnificent old Colonial estate of Chatham, residence of A. Randolph Howard, Esq., beautifully situated upon Stafford Heights overlooking the town.
The house was built in 1730 by William Fitzhugh, upon a small grant of a few hundred thousand acres from King George of England.
The architect is believed to have been the famous Sir Christopher Wrenn, to whom is due the adaptation of the English renaissance of the Grecian period to our Southland needs, and which has resulted in the type now known as Colonial. Chatham is conceded to be the purest and most beautiful specimen of the Georgian Colonial architecture in America.
Through its lordly halls have trod the beauty and chivalry of generations of the most famous families of Virginia.
Upon its famous race-track such horses as Boston, Lexington, Timoleon, Sir Archy, Sir Charles and hundreds of others fought out their races, while their owners were guests of Colonel Fitzhugh.
ENTRANCE TO NATIONAL CEMETERY
Showing Monument Erected by Gen. Daniel Butterfield to 5th Corps, Army of Potomac
At Chatham General Washington paid his addresses to the widow Curtis, General Robert E. Lee whispered sweet words of love to a niece of Mrs. Fitzhugh, and the immortal Lincoln reviewed the Army of the Potomac before the battle of Fredericksburg.