Great Mills, MD Vintage Photograph of Abandoned Structures

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, features a scene from Great Mills, St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The image captures a collection of abandoned structures, showcasing the architectural remnants of the area. Notable elements include prominent chimneys and dormers, characteristic of traditional plank buildings, now overrun by weeds indicative of disuse.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document and preserve the architectural heritage of the southern United States. This particular image is a testament to the historical landscape of Maryland, reflecting the rural architecture that once thrived in this region.

The photograph was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and is preserved in the Library of Congress, contributing to the rich collection of American architectural history. This image serves as an essential resource for those interested in the architectural evolution and historical context of St. Mary’s County.