Surry VA Estate History: 1730 Architecture & Jefferson Desig

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures an estate in Surry, Prince George County, Virginia. The building dates back to approximately 1730 and was constructed by Nathaniel Harrison II. It served as the ancestral home of the Harrison family for two centuries. Notably, the central block connecting the two wings is believed to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson upon his return from France in 1789.

The image highlights the intricate gardens surrounding the estate, emphasizing the historical significance of landscape design in early American architecture. The Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which includes this photograph, aimed to document the architectural heritage of the Southern United States.

This photograph is part of the rich legacy left by the Carnegie Survey and is preserved in the Library of Congress. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding Virginias architectural history and the cultural landscape of the era.

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.