Raleigh Capitol Landmark Photo, North Carolina, 1833-1840

This vintage photograph captures a significant architectural landmark in Raleigh, North Carolina, associated with the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. The structure, completed between 1833 and 1840, serves as an important example of early American Capitol design. The first state house was erected on this site in 1796 but was destroyed by fire in 1831, leading to the construction of the current building.

The image features classic elements such as columns, a prominent dome, and a portico, reflecting the architectural style of the period. Raleigh, as the state capital, has been the center of North Carolinas government and political activities since its establishment. This historical photograph was published in Thomas Tileston Watermans book, The Early Architecture of North Carolina, in 1941, further emphasizing its cultural significance.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph is a vital part of the collection at the Library of Congress, illustrating the rich architectural heritage of Wake County and its historical context.