Shirley Plantation, Charles City, VA, 1953 Photography

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures Shirley, a historic plantation located in Charles City County, Virginia. Built around 1650, Shirley has a rich architectural heritage and was granted to Colonel Edward Hill in 1660, a notable member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. The estate later passed through marriage to the Carter family in 1723, where it remains today.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection documenting the architectural history of the southern United States. The photograph emphasizes the plantations gardens and landscape, showcasing the trails that connect various elements of this historic site.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph is a valuable representation of Virginia’s colonial history and the evolution of its plantation architecture. It serves as a crucial visual resource for those interested in American history and heritage.