Shirley Plantation House, Charles City, Virginia 1650

This vintage photograph captures Shirley, a historic plantation house located in Charles City County, Virginia. The structure, dating back to approximately 1650, showcases architectural features typical of the period, including hip roofs. It has significant historical ties, having been granted in 1660 to Colonel Edward Hill, a member of the House of Burgesses. The property later passed to John Carter in 1723 through family marriage ties, and it remains in the Carter family today.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting significant architectural sites in the Southern United States. This collection, housed at the Library of Congress, emphasizes the importance of preserving architectural heritage.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, was known for her contributions to documenting American architecture and culture. This photograph not only serves as a historical record but also highlights the enduring legacy of Virginias plantation homes.