Historic Plantation House, Northumberland County, VA, 1687

This vintage photograph captures a historic plantation house located in Northumberland County, Virginia. Originally constructed in 1687, the building underwent significant renovations around 1785, reflecting the architectural evolution of the region. The estate was granted to Colonel Richard Lee, with its name derived from a Lee property near Oxford, England. The house was built by Kendall Lee, a member of the prominent Lee family.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project that documents the architectural heritage of the southern United States. It includes notable features such as intricately designed fireplaces, elegant doors and doorways, and finely crafted paneling, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period.

Captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent photographer, this image serves as a valuable record of Virginias architectural history. The photo is a testament to the cultural and historical significance of the Lee estate and its enduring legacy in Northumberland County.