Historic Building in Keene, VA, 1806: Architectural Legacy

This vintage photograph features a historic building located in Keene, Albemarle County, Virginia. Dating back to 1806, the structure is notable for its architectural design, which was inspired by Thomas Jeffersons interpretation of Palladios Villa Rotunda. It served as the home of Colonel James Powell Cocke and showcases distinctive bay windows that enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Captured by photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. Johnstons work highlights the richness of American architectural heritage, particularly in the context of Virginias historical landscape.

The photograph was acquired from Johnstons estate in 1953 and is preserved within the Library of Congress, contributing to the ongoing documentation of significant architectural sites in the United States. This image not only represents a specific time and place but also reflects the craftsmanship and design principles of early American architecture.