History Still Standing at Chatham Manor
BY KITTY L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 6.2020
Almost everyone in these parts have taken a relaxing stroll at Chatham Manor. Situated just across the Rappahannock River, it overlooks the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is both historically and architecturally significant.
Chatham Manor English gardens. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country, it was built in the mid-18th century by William Fitzhugh, a prominent Virginia planter and politician who was the friend and colleague of George Washington. Its elaborate design, symmetrical architecture, towering ceilings, English gardens, and terraced lawns make the manor a testament to the influence and wealth of Virginia’s colonial culture.
Pan at the Cupola. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
During the Civil War, Chatham Manor was captured by Union forces and served as as a headquarters and hospital during the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. The manor saw heavy damage during the conflict, but great care has been taken to restore it over the centuries.
Reflection at the pond. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
One lesser-known fact about Chatham Manor is that it was home to a loyal war dog and mascot to the Union. During its days as a Union headquarters and hospital, a young nurse named Mary Louisa Houghton was accompanied by her trusty dog, Sallie, a brindle Staffordshire Terrier. This brave dog was well-liked among Union soldiers, and she would accompany them on several of their marches.
Only known image of Sallie. | Unknown.
Sideview of canon. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia clashed with the Union Army of the Potomac, vying to take control of Fredericksburg. Sallie would continue to join the front lines while returning without fail to Chatham Manor each day.
Cannon overlooking downtown Fredericksburg, across the Rappahannock . | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
During this battle, the Union assembled pontoon bridges to cross the Rappahannock but were severely massacred by the well-entrenched Confederacy, who fired upon Union soldiers downhill. Almost 17,000 lives were lost in the battle. Still, Sallie was said to have crossed the pontoon bridges as soldiers fell, and lived to continue supporting the Union.
Pontoon bridge would be used to cross the Rappahannock. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Visitors of Chatham Manor can enjoy the manor’s interior as did Washington, Monroe, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Yet, contemplating the weighted history of the grounds with friends, children, and pets is a common activity. Like many other historic sites in the area, visitors can remember how many lives were impacted by the battles that took place here, while several others can trace or explore their roots.
The front of Chatham facing the river. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Speaking of roots, no matter where you are from, the catalpas of Chatham offer one of the most stunning and direct links to the past. Currently endangered, these famous Witness Trees have stood tall even throughout the many battles that occurred in Spotsylvania. Walt Whiman, who visited Chatham to comfort his wounded brother in 1862, best described the trees and the events we must remember.
View from the front of the manor. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
“Began my visits in the Camp Hospitals in the Army of the Potomac. Spent a good part of the day in a large brick mansion, on the banks of the Rappahannock, used as a Hospital since the battle–Seems to have receiv’d only the worst cases. Out doors, at the foot of a tree, within ten yards of the front of the house, I notice a heap of amputated feet, legs, arms, hands, &c., a full load for a one-horse cart. Several dead bodies lie near, each cover’d with its brown woolen blanket….”
- Walt Whitman, “Memoranda During the War”
Catalpa tree that was damaged during the Civil War. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI