Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia 1650

This vintage photograph captures Shirley, a historic plantation located in Charles City County, Virginia. Constructed around 1650, the estate has a rich history, notably being granted to Colonel Edward Hill in 1660, a significant figure in Virginias early governance. The property later passed to John Carter through marriage in 1723, and it remains in the Carter family to this day.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which highlights the architectural significance of Southern structures. Shirley is renowned for its impressive gardens and well-preserved colonial architecture, making it an important representation of Virginias historical landscape.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, documented the plantations beauty and historical context, contributing to the understanding of Southern heritage. This image serves as a valuable educational resource for those interested in American history, architecture, and garden design, reflecting the elegance of a bygone era.