Marlee House, Charles City VA, Pre-1776 Architecture

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures a significant architectural structure located in Charles City County, Virginia. Known as Marlee, this house dates back to before 1776 and was once home to Judge John Tyler, the father of the 10th President of the United States, John Tyler. The image showcases notable architectural features such as porches, chimneys, and dormers, reflecting the design sensibilities of the era.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document important architectural sites in the southern United States. This survey underscores the historical significance of structures like Marlee, which embody the rich heritage of Virginia’s colonial past.

Acquired from Johnston’s estate in 1953, this image serves as an important visual record of early American architecture. It is preserved in the Library of Congress and offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of Virginias early homes.