Historic Plantation House in Northumberland, VA - 1785

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph of a historic plantation house located in Northumberland County, Virginia. The structure, originally built in 1687, was granted to Colonel Richard Lee and is named after a Lee estate near Oxford, England. The current building dates to around 1785 and showcases the architectural style of its time, featuring intricate woodwork and notable fireplaces characteristic of the period.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant architectural works in the region. The photograph provides a glimpse into the interior design and craftsmanship reflective of the era, emphasizing the cultural heritage of Virginia.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph serves as a valuable historical record. It is preserved by the Library of Congress, contributing to the understanding of early American architecture and domestic life in Virginias plantations.