1730 Architecture in Petersburg, VA: Historic Photograph

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a notable architecture in Petersburg, Virginia, located in Dinwiddie County. The building, constructed around 1730, was built by Captain Howell Briggs. It holds historical significance as the birthplace of his son, Gray Briggs, who later served as a member of the House of Burgesses from 1752 to 1758.

The image features the distinctive characteristics of early American architecture, including hip roofs and expansive porches that were common in wooden buildings of that period. The craftsmanship displayed in the construction reflects the architectural trends prevalent in Virginia during the 18th century.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a valuable collection housed in the Library of Congress. The survey aims to document the rich architectural heritage of the Southern United States, providing an essential resource for historians and architecture enthusiasts alike.