1780 House in Eastville, VA: Architectural Heritage

This vintage photograph captures a significant architectural example in Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia. The building, constructed in 1780 by Dr. William G. Smith, underwent a remodeling in 1830. It features unique elements, including scenic wallpapers depicting the Napoleonic Wars and the French in Egypt.

The house is noteworthy for its exquisite garden, which was renowned for having the finest old box maze on the Eastern Shore. This representation of early American architecture illustrates the aesthetic sensibilities of its time and the cultural influences that shaped the region.

Taken as part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, this image is an important artifact for understanding Virginias historical landscape. The photograph was credited to Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent figure in documenting American architecture in the early 20th century. The image serves as a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts of American heritage.