Chatham Estate, Stafford County VA, Early 1900s Photo

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph in Stafford County, Virginia, as part of a commission to document the restoration of an estate near Fredericksburg. The image reflects her work related to the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to catalog significant architectural structures in the region.

Johnston’s documentation of Chatham, a notable historical estate, showcases the architectural style and landscape of early 20th-century Virginia. The serene setting features a lake with ducks, emphasizing the natural beauty surrounding the estate. This photograph serves as a valuable historical record, illustrating both the architectural details of the property and the environment in which it is situated.

Taken in the early 1900s, this image not only highlights Johnston’s artistic vision but also contributes to our understanding of Virginias architectural heritage. It is part of the collection at the Library of Congress, offering insights into the landscape and estates of Stafford County during this period.