“The vista of Fredericksburg from Chatham as seen in countless photographs over the past 150 years is one of the most famous views in the region,” a park official said. That view has been obstructed by the growth of trees and underbrush.
Workers will selectively clear trees and undergrowth from the slopes in front of Chatham and on the floodplain between River Road and the Rappahannock River. The work will close River Road from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 15 and 16.
Barriers will be placed on River Road south of the entrance to John Lee Pratt Memorial Park and at the intersection of State Route 3 and River Road. John Lee Pratt Park will still be accessible from the Falmouth entrance.
The $299,000 project is funded by the National Park Service’s repair and rehabilitation budget.
Chatham was built between 1768 and 1771 by William Fitzhugh, and served as the center of a plantation. Today Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, is part of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The buildings and grounds are open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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