Nelson House, Yorktown VA, 1740: Historic Architecture Image

This vintage photograph captures the historic Nelson House, located in Yorktown, Virginia, a structure dating back to 1740-1741. Built by William Nelson, this estate is significant not only for its architecture but also for its historical connections; Nelsons son, Thomas, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and served as a general during the American Revolution and as Governor of Virginia. The image showcases the estate’s gardens and arbors, reflecting the design aesthetics of the period.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, meticulously documented the architecture of the South, contributing to the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. The survey aimed to preserve and share the rich architectural heritage of the region. This photo is part of a larger collection held by the Library of Congress, highlighting the importance of historic preservation.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image serves as a valuable record of early American architecture and the influential figures associated with it.