Shirley Plantation, Charles City, VA, Vintage Photograph 195

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures the historic Shirley Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document the architectural heritage of the region. Shirley Plantation, established in the late 17th century, is one of the oldest plantations in Virginia and showcases significant elements of colonial architecture.

The photograph includes details of the plantations tableware and pitchers, reflecting the domestic life and cultural practices of the time. Johnstons work is known for its meticulous documentation of American architecture, and this image serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of Southern plantation life.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph is preserved in the Library of Congress, providing insight into the past and the enduring legacy of Virginias historic sites.