Chatham in Pittsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Claude A. Swanson

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, May 27, 2012

1. Claude A. Swanson Marker

Inscription. A native of Pittsylvania County, Claude Augustus Swanson (1862-1939), practiced law in Chatham until he won election to Congress in 1892. He served seven terms in the House of Representatives (1893-1906); was governor of Virginia (1906-1910) and United States senator (1910-1933); and served as secretary of the navy under President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1939). As governor, Swanson persuaded the General Assembly to reform the public school system, improve rural roads, and create the position of state health commissioner. His last home in the county was at nearby Eldon.

Erected 1992 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number L-49.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 36° 51.27′ N, 79° 23.82′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Virginia, in Pittsylvania County. Marker is on U.S. 29, 0.4 miles north of Main Street (Business U.S. 29), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chatham VA 24531, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hargrave Military Academy (approx. 1.6 miles away); Bilhartz, Hall & Co.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 1.9 miles away); Pittsylvania County Confederate Monument (approx. 1.9 miles away); Pittsylvania Court House (approx. 1.9 miles away); Markham (approx. 2.3 miles away); Peytonsburg (approx. 2.3 miles away); Rawley White Martin Residence (approx. 2½ miles away); Whitmell P. Tunstall (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, May 27, 2012

2. Claude A. Swanson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 506 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.