Nelson House, Yorktown VA, Colonial Architecture, 20th Centu

This vintage photograph captures the historic Nelson House, located in Yorktown, Virginia. Constructed between 1740 and 1741 by William Nelson, the house is a notable example of colonial architecture. William Nelson was a prominent figure in American history, with his son Thomas serving as a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, a general in the Revolutionary War, and a governor of Virginia.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document and preserve the architectural heritage of the region. The survey, initiated in the early 20th century, provides valuable insights into the design and significance of structures like the Nelson House. This particular photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases the buildings historical context and its surrounding gardens, reflecting the estates importance in early American history.

The photograph is dated to the mid-20th century and remains an important artifact for those interested in Virginias colonial past and the architectural style of that era.