Shirley Plantation Interior, Charles City, VA 1953

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures an interior view of Shirley Plantation, located in Charles City County, Virginia. Established in the early 18th century, Shirley Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in the United States and is renowned for its rich history and well-preserved architecture. The image highlights the plantations tableware, reflecting the domestic and cultural practices of the period.

Johnston, a prominent photographer, documented the architecture and landscapes of the American South during her career. This photograph forms part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive effort to document the regions historical structures. The image was purchased from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and is preserved in the Library of Congress, contributing to our understanding of Southern heritage.

For those interested in American history, this photograph offers a glimpse into life at Shirley Plantation, making it a valuable addition to any collection focusing on Virginias architectural and cultural history.