Check Out Chatham Manor

This time of year, it’s very easy to focus your mind on things that aren’t so important in the grand scheme of things. There are many distractions, which can easily have you thinking about stuff that only matters at the moment. A good way to stretch your brain and remind yourself of what’s important is to take a little historical field trip and learn something new about the historic town you get to call home! Chatham Manor is the place to go.

Historical Importance

You might be wondering what makes this house so special? Especially in a town filled with little gold nuggets of history and facts. That’s a good question, though, and the answer is that this house stands out from the rest. Chatham Manor, which was built in 1771,  has seen many important events, and also provided a space for many well-known faces to spend time.

The story behind the house is that the owner, William Fitzhugh, owned more than 100 slaves who were used for tasks around the property and in the house. A little after the year 1800, the slaves decided to rebel against Fitzhugh by overpowering and whipping his overseer and others. The rebellion was shut down eventually, and the leaders were punished physically or by being deported. The plantation was bought by Major Churchill Jones in 1806, just one year after the rebellion, and he and his family owned it for just shy of 70 years.

Celebrity Visits

Obviously, the house has a fascinating history, but it has also housed several familiar names! It was said that George Washington stopped by the house more than once, as Washington and Fitzhugh served in the House of Burgesses together. The two men had common interests such as farming and horses. Fast forward a few years, and Fitzhugh’s daughter actually ended up marrying Washington’s step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis.

Another well-known friend of Fitzhugh was Thomas Jefferson. Recently, it was discovered that Jefferson came to visit on October 27, 1793. With him was William Henry Harrison, but he didn’t come inside that day.

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Tour Info

Chatham Manor is now a part of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Five rooms are exhibits, and the rest are park offices. The tour starts in the dining room, and promises a day that is anything but dull!