Near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

REPLACED

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Chatham

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

1. Chatham Marker

Inscription. This expansive estate and its impressive Georgian dwelling have dominated Stafford Heights overlooking Fredericksburg for over two centuries. William Fitzhugh, a wealthy landowner from Virginia's Northern Neck, completed construction of his new residence in 1771 and named it in honor of William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. Fitzhugh and subsequent ante-bellum owners of Chatham managed a large plantation employing as many as one hundred slaves. After the war, Chatham's land was gradually sold until the property amounted to only thirty acres of landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Thus by the early 20th century, the estate had become a country home for the well-to-do. Industrialist and philanthropist John Lee Pratt willed Chatham to the National Park Service in 1975 in order that its historical significance and beautiful setting could be enjoyed by the public, now and in the future.

Erected by United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1771.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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It was located near 38° 18.546′ N, 77° 27.265′ W. Marker was near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. It was on Chatham Lane. Marker is located at Chatham Manor, part of the Fredericksburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 101 Chatham Dr, Fredericksburg VA 22404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Beyond the Big House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

2. Chatham Marker

Chatham (here, next to this marker); Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (a few steps from this marker); A Changed Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sow…Tend…Harvest (within shouting distance of this marker); A “Picture of Desolation” (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bombardment (about 600 feet away); Beleaguered Town (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Chatham and the Civil War (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Lincoln's Review (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Sow…Tend…Harvest (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Regarding Chatham. This marker was replaced by a new one also named Chatham (see nearby markers).

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Chatham Heights virtual tour by markers.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

3. Chatham

In the early 1900s, Chatham's original rear entrance became the front entrance, as you see it here.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

4. Chatham

This is the original front entrance of Chatham, which overlooks the town of Fredericksburg across the Rappahannock. You can see the ghost lines of the original porch, which was removed in the early 1900s.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,669 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.