Smithfield, VA 1632: Oldest English Structure in America

This vintage photograph captures a significant historical structure located in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, specifically in the vicinity of Smithfield. The building, constructed in 1632, holds the distinction of being the oldest standing structure in America built by English settlers, emerging just twenty-five years after the establishment of Jamestown.

The architectural features include crow-stepped gables, intricately designed windows, and distinct doorways, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive collection that documents the rich architectural heritage of the region.

Photographed by Frances Benjamin Johnston, this image is a valuable educational resource for those interested in early American architecture and colonial history. The photograph has been published in various works, including Colonial Churches in Virginia by Henry Irving Brock, further emphasizing its historical importance.