Vintage Photo of Lexington, GA Architecture, 1900s

This vintage photograph captures a scene from Oglethorpe County, Georgia, specifically the Lexington vicinity. Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent American photographer known for her documentation of Southern architecture, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative aimed at preserving the architectural heritage of the region.

The photograph features key elements characteristic of the area, including porte-cochères and cotton gins, which were vital to the agricultural economy of the South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The wooden buildings depicted reflect the architectural styles prevalent during that era, showcasing the simplicity and functionality required for rural life.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image serves as a historical artifact, offering insight into the cultural and economic landscape of Georgia during that time. The photograph is housed in the Library of Congress, where further information about the Carnegie Survey can be accessed.