Aldie, VA 1823 Building by Monroe & Jefferson Image

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a significant building in Aldie, Loudoun County, Virginia. Constructed in 1823, the estate was originally built by President James Monroe, with notable contributions from Thomas Jefferson, who supervised the construction, and architect James Hoban. The estate is historically rich, having hosted prominent figures, including its first guest, the Marquis de Lafayette.

In 1850, Colonel Fairfax acquired the property from the Monroe estate, further embedding it in the fabric of Virginia’s history. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents significant architectural achievements in the region.

The photograph serves as a valuable representation of early 19th-century American architecture and is preserved in the Library of Congress. Its historical context and connection to key figures in American history enhance its significance for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.