Spencer, NC Historic Architecture, c. 1800-1810

This vintage photograph captures an architectural gem from Spencer, Rowan County, North Carolina, dating back to approximately 1800-1810. The image showcases the distinctive porticoes and sidelights characteristic of early Southern architecture. The structure is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document the diverse architectural styles found throughout the region.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, was known for her contributions to the documentation of American architecture. This image is part of her inventory and was later acquired from her estate in 1953. The photograph reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of the period, contributing to our understanding of North Carolinas architectural heritage.

Published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, this image serves as a valuable resource for historians and architecture enthusiasts. It represents a significant piece of the cultural and historical landscape of North Carolina.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.