Historic 1730s Building in Dinwiddie County, VA

This vintage photograph captures a historical building located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, near Petersburg. Constructed around 1730 by Captain Howell Briggs, the house is a notable example of early American architecture. The residence is distinguished by its wooden structure and prominent porch, characteristic of the periods design.

The building holds historical significance as the birthplace of Gray Briggs, who later served as a member of the House of Burgesses from 1752 to 1758. His connection to this site highlights its importance in Virginia’s political history during the colonial era.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting significant architectural sites in the region. The photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, provides a glimpse into the architectural legacy of early American homes and their historical context.