  Chatham One of the most interesting points of historical interest to all who visit Fredericksburg is the magnificent old Colonial estate of Chatham, residence of A. Randolph Howard, Esq., beautifully situated upon Stafford Heights overlooking the town. The house was built in 1730 by William Fitzhugh, upon a small grant of a few hundred thousand acres from King George of England. The architect is believed to have been the famous Sir Christopher Wrenn, to whom is due the adaptation of the English renaissance of the Grecian period to our Southland needs, and which has resulted in the type now known as Colonial. Chatham is conceded to be the purest and most beautiful specimen of the Georgian Colonial architecture in America. Through its lordly halls have trod the beauty and chivalry of generations of the most famous families of Virginia. Upon its famous race-track such horses as Boston, Lexington, Timoleon, Sir Archy, Sir Charles and hundreds of others fought out their races, while their owners were guests of Colonel Fitzhugh. ENTRANCE TO NATIONAL CEMETERY At Chatham General Washington paid his addresses to the widow Curtis, General Robert E. Lee whispered sweet words of love to a niece of Mrs. Fitzhugh, and the immortal Lincoln reviewed the Army of the Potomac before the battle of Fredericksburg. General Burnside established his headquarters at Chatham, and at the foot of its terraced lawns one of the pontoon bridges were thrown across the river over which many a brave man passed never to return. The National Cemetery Located on Willis Hill, a part of the historic Marye’s Heights, overlooking Fredericksburg and the beautiful Rappahannock Valley, the Union soldiers who were killed in the various battles around Fredericksburg and those who died in camp are interred. This cemetery has the largest number of interments of any in the country, there being 15,295, of these about 2,500 are known and their names, regiment and state are registered in a book in the superintendent’s office. Just to the left entering the cemetery General Daniel Butterfield has erected a beautiful monument to the valor of the Fifth Army Corps, which he commanded. To the right at the top of the hill is a monument to the 127th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel W. W. Jennings, Commanding. In the center of the cemetery the State of Pennsylvania has erected a monument to commemorate the charge of General Humphrey’s Division, Fifth Corps, in the battle of Fredericksburg, 1862. The “Sentry Box” On lower Main street was the residence of General George Weedon of Revolutionary fame, and afterwards occupied by Colonel Hugh Mercer, a son of General Hugh Mercer, who was killed at the battle of Princeton. The name “Sentry Box” being applied on account of the unobstructed view for some distance. It being used during the Revolutionary, War of 1812 and Civil war, as a place to watch and give the alarm of the approach of the enemy. Rising Sun Tavern One of the oldest buildings in Fredericksburg. General George Weeden, years before the Revolutionary war, kept hotel in this house and was the stopping place of Washington, LaFayette and other Colonial dignitaries. The Rising Sun Tavern is now owned by the Society for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, who have renovated the building, but retaining in every way the old style of architecture used in wooden buildings used in the eighteenth century. The Washington Farm Looking directly across the river from the “Sentry Box” can be seen the Washington Farm. This is where Geo. Washington was raised to manhood, and it is said where he threw the silver dollar across the Rappahannock, also where he chopped the famous cherry tree. One of the pontoon bridges used in 1862 was built from this farm. Kenmore “Kenmore” was built in 1740 by Colonel Fielding Lewis, an officer who commanded a division at the siege of Yorktown where Cornwallis surrendered. It is said the bricks used to build this house were brought from England, but this cannot be confirmed, but the interior stucco work of this colonial mansion has stood for over a century and is supposed to have been done by expert Englishmen. It was to Kenmore that Colonel Fielding Lewis took Bettie Washington, (George’s sister) as a bride. VIEW IN CONFEDERATE CEMETERY The Mercer Monument General Hugh Mercer, killed at the battle of Princeton, 1777, while leading his men against the British. Over one hundred years after an appropriation had been made by Congress, it evidently being overlooked, in 1906 the United States government erected this monument to his memory. Situated in the center of Washington Avenue in the attitude of a patriot, drawn sword in hand, he stands on a pedestal, ready to strike in defense of his country. (See page 12 for illustration.) General Mercer conducted a drug store in the building now standing, corner Main and Amelia Streets, and lived at the “Sentry Box” with George Weeden, until the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Confederate Cemetery The first Ladies Memorial Association was organized at Fredericksburg in 1865, and in response to liberal contributions the present cemetery was laid out, and the Confederate dead who were buried at various places were gathered together and each grave marked. In 1874 the corner stone was laid of the monument erected on a mound in the center of the space. This monument is about 6 feet high made of gray granite, and on top has a life size statue of a Confederate soldier at dress parade. On the front of the monument is the inscription “To the Confederate Dead.” About 2,500 are buried here, of which about 600 are unknown. MONUMENT TO MARY THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON Mary Washington Monument About a stone throw from Kenmore, Mary, the mother of Washington is buried. This spot was selected by herself, declaring it to be preferable to any location, as it could never be cultivated, being near a rocky crag, a part of the original Kenmore land. MONUMENT ERECTED IN 1833 After the remains of the venerable matron had lain for forty-four years, a monument was partially erected to her memory by Silas E. Burrows, a wealthy New York merchant. The corner-stone was laid with imposing pomp on May 7, 1833. Andrew Jackson, President of the U. S., several members of his Cabinet, numbers of distinguished citizens from Washington, the Marine Band and military came to swell the pageant. This monument of white Italian marble was never finished, and for more than sixty years laid a prey to the relic hunters and ravishes of time. In 1889, the nation was startled with the announcement that the grave and unfinished monument to Mary Washington would be sold at public auction from the steps of the Capitol at Washington, indignant meetings were held and the sale abandoned by its originators. The women of America organized to erect a monument to the memory of their fellow countrywoman, which they did; unveiling May 10, 1894, a monument fifty feet high, and comprising a monolith of forty feet, standing on bases eleven feet square and ten feet high. The whole shaft is of Barre granite and of the finest workmanship. President Cleveland, many of his Cabinet, the Governor of Virginia, the Marine Band, companies of military and thousands of people witnessed the ceremony. Just back of the monument is a ledge of rocks known as “Meditation Rock,” where she used often to resort for private reading, meditation and prayer, under the shade of the beautiful grove of Oak trees. Mary Washington House This plain, old-fashioned dwelling on the corner of Charles and Lewis streets was the home of Mary the mother of Washington until her death in 1789. Up to the death of her husband she lived just across the river, opposite Fredericksburg, at the “Washington Farm” and it was in these two homes the illustrious George was raised to manhood. This building is owned by the society for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, who have put the same in thorough condition, all of the original features of architecture and general appearance being preserved. The front room in which she died is furnished as used by her in her lifetime. This building is open to visitors for a small sum. The Masonic Lodge The Masonic Lodge, in which George Washington received his first degree as a Mason, November 4, 1752, has a cabinet of some rare and valuable relics. Some of which are the Bible that Geo. Washington was obligated on (printed 1668), a lock of his hair, autograph passes given by him during the Revolutionary War, the old minute book giving his initiation, passing and raising, an oil portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart, the old parlor chairs of his mother, Mary Washington, and many others, which can be seen free of charge by applying to the Master of the Lodge. Other Places of Interest PRESIDENT MONROE HOUSE—Situated on Princess Anne Street one block above the passenger depot is the old story and a half frame house to which President James Monroe held a pocket deed to qualify him for his seat in the House of Burgesses. PAUL JONES HOUSE—The only home in America of John Paul Jones, on Main Street near the depot. INSIDE THE NATIONAL CEMETERY FEDERAL HILL—on Hanover street. In the latter part of the eighteenth century the home of Thomas Reade Roots, a distinguished lawyer of that time. PLANTER’S HOTEL—Used before and during the Civil war as a hotel, at the corner of Commerce and Charles Streets. In front of this hotel is a stone block, placed there many years before the Civil war, used for the sale and annual hire of slaves. HOME OF GEN. DANIEL D. WHEELER—of the U. S. Army on the east side of lower Main street. Built about 1765. Was the home of Dr. Charles Mortimer who was physician to Mary Washington also the first Mayor of Fredericksburg. STEVENS HOUSE—Situated on “Sunken Road” the Confederate line of battle 1862-63 in front of fence. General Thos. R. R. Cobb, killed just inside of yard. ST. GEORGE’S BURYING GROUND—Colonel John Dandridge, the father of Martha Washington was buried here in 1756. Wm. Paul, a brother of John Paul Jones buried 1773. It is said that Fielding Lewis is buried under the steps of the church. A number of remarkable tombstones can be found in the yard, the inscription of one of which has puzzled all who have seen it, “Charles M. Rathrock, departed this life Sept. 29th, 1084, aged three years.” CITY HALL—Built 1813—Used in 1824 for a grand ball and reception to General Lafayette. OLD EXCHANGE HOTEL (Now known as Hotel Frederick) built in 1837, part destroyed by fire 1850, rebuilt but not used as a hotel until after the Civil war. During the war was used as a hospital. MASONIC GRAVEYARD—On corner of George and Charles Streets. General Lewis Littleton was buried here in 1802. Methodist Church Baptist ChurchPresbyterian Church St. George’s Episcopal Church MARY WASHINGTON HOSPITAL—Erected by the ladies of Fredericksburg. Corner stone was laid April 14th, 1899, a day to commemorate George Washington’s last visit to Fredericksburg and his dying mother. The corner-stone is a portion of the old Mary Washington monument begun in 1833. Situated overlooking the river and directly opposite Chatham. One of the pontoon bridges of 1862 was directly in front of the hospital. GUNNERY SPRING—The legend of Gunnery Spring is that all that drink of the water will return to drink again some day. A visit to Fredericksburg is not complete without a visit to this old spring. Fredericksburg Churches St. George’s Episcopal Church—corner Princess Anne and George Streets, R. J. McBryde, Rector. Trinity Episcopal Church—corner Prince Edward and Hanover streets, Dr. H. H. Barber, Rector. The Presbyterian Church—corner Princess Anne and George streets, Rev. J. H. Henderlite, Pastor. The Baptist Church—corner Princess Anne and Amelia streets, Rev. R. A. Williams, Pastor. The Methodist Church—on Hanover street, Rev. J. R. Jacobs, Pastor. St. Mary’s Catholic Church—on Princess Anne street, Father Perrig, Pastor. The Will of Mary Washington is on exhibition at the Clerk’s office of the Corporation Court. |
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