Vintage Photo of Abandoned Trap, MD Building, 20th Century

This vintage photograph, created by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures an abandoned structure in Trap, St. Marys County, Maryland. The image showcases the architectural features of the building, including dormers and a plank construction typical of the region. The surrounding area is overgrown with weeds, hinting at the passage of time and the buildings neglect.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant project aimed at documenting the diverse architectural heritage of the southern United States. The survey, conducted in the early to mid-20th century, provides valuable insight into the regional styles and historical context of the buildings.

This photograph serves as a historical record of Trap, a community that reflects the architectural trends and social conditions of its time. It invites viewers to explore the history embedded in its weathered walls and the stories that remain untold.