During the Civil War, Chatham was known as the “Lacy House.”  During this time the house was frequented by Union generals and officials, President Lincoln, Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, and Dr. Mary Walker.  It served as a Union hospital and headquarters.  Notice the double porticoes and the Union soldiers on the exterior of the house.  In 1920 the porticoes were removed.   (photo: Library of Congress)