The Lacy House, Falmouth, Virginia (December 1862)

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The Lacy House, situated on the banks of the Rappahannock river, was surrounded by rare flowers and beautiful lawns before being occupied by United States troops in Spring 1862. The grounds in front of the mansion were terraced down to the riverbank, and were ascended by means of granite steps, bordered with vines and tropical plants. The house was built before the Revolutionary War, and many of the distinguished men of that period met within its walls. General McDowell first used the building as his headquarters, and afterwards General Burnside pitched his tents in the yard. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, in December 1862, a hospital was established here.  A large number of the Union dead are buried near the house, and earthworks for artillery disfigure the adjacent grounds.

Photographer: Alexander Gardner

 

Gardner’s Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War - Plate 29