Built in 1771 by the Fitzhugh family. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Rappahannock River and Fredericksburg, it was easy to see from all around. During the Civil War the Lacy family owned Chatham, and also Ellwood near Locust Grove.During the Battle of Fredericksburg December 1862, Chatham served as headquarters for the Union. After the battle it was transformed into a field hospital. Clara Barton, Mary Walker and Walt Whitman served in the hospital here.Fredericksburg from ChathamReplica of a pontoon used during the Battle of Fredericksburg.Gardens at Chatham.
St. Luke’s Church, aka Historic St. Luke’s Church, aka the Old Brick Church. It was built in either 1632 or 1685-1687. It is the oldest church building in Virginia. The exterior of the building is mainly original brick, and the interior is not original. There have been several restorations over the years. The largest restoration effort was completed in the 1950s.
Architecturally, this is a very rare example of Artisan Mannerism Architecture from 17th-century Virginia. There are Romanesque, Gothic, and Jacobean influences in the design. No known architect or original architectural renderings are associated with its design. Instead, construction is believed to have been undertaken by skilled artisans reflecting on examples from England.Porthole view of the church cemetery.Looking to the front of the church.These stained glass panels honor several of the pastors of the church, as well as George Washington and Robert E. Lee.Rear of the sanctuary.Grave of Joseph Bridger, who was a military and political figure in colonial Virginia. He was a supporter of Governor William Berkeley during Bacon’s Rebellion. He died in 1686.
Also, the grave of Anne Randall, who died in 1696.English Chamber Organ from the 1630s.
Bacon’s Castle, considered the oldest brick residence in the United States, built in 1665.Rear of the house.Cross section of a joist.Original 350+ year old wood floor.Some previous residents etched in a window pane.Depiction of Bacon’s Rebellion.Out buildingsSlave quarters.
Isle of Wight Courthouse, originally built in 1752, restored in 1938. It is one of Virginia’s few surviving colonial court structures and is noted for having a semicircular apse with a conical roof, reflective of the Colonial Capitol in Williamsburg.Rear of the courthouse.Interior of the courtroom.PilloryGeorge WashingtonBenjamin Franklin
