Mathews County VA Architecture Study 20th Century

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston showcases an architectural study from Mathews County, Virginia. The image features distinctive gambrel roofs that characterize the regions historic dwellings. Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document and preserve the architectural heritage of the Southern United States.

Mathews County, located on the Middle Peninsula of Virginia, is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. The dwellings captured in this image reflect the unique vernacular architecture of the area, emphasizing the adaptation of local building styles to the environment.

The photograph is a valuable resource for understanding early 20th-century American architecture and regional design influences. It is part of the collection at the Library of Congress, where it contributes to the broader narrative of Virginias architectural evolution. This piece is dated to the early 20th century and has significant historical importance for researchers and enthusiasts of American history and architecture.