Stratford, VA: Lee Family Home Photo, 1725 Architecture

This vintage photograph captures an important architectural landmark in Stratford, Westmoreland County, Virginia. The structure dates to approximately 1725 and is recognized as the ancestral home of the Lee family, a prominent lineage in American history. The building is significant not only for its age but also for its connection to notable historical figures, including General Robert E. Lee.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive project that documents the architectural heritage of the Southern United States. This specific photograph was sourced from a deteriorating original film negative, with a digital file created from an interpositive in the 1980s. The preservation efforts highlight the importance of maintaining historical records of American architecture.

This photograph serves as a valuable educational resource for those interested in American history, architecture, and the heritage of Virginia. It is an exemplary representation of early colonial architecture and its role in shaping the narrative of the region.