Water Mill in Accomack County, VA - 1980s Historical Photo

This vintage photograph captures a water mill located in Accomack County, Virginia, specifically near Lee Mont. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting significant architectural sites in the region. The photo, created by Frances Benjamin Johnston, provides a glimpse into the historical significance of water mills in the American South, showcasing their role in local agriculture and industry.

The photograph originates from an interpositive made for the Library of Congress in the 1980s, derived from a deteriorated original film negative. Despite the age of the source material, the image retains historical value, reflecting the architectural style and engineering of the period.

Frances Benjamin Johnstons work is recognized for its contribution to American historical photography. This image not only serves as a record of a specific location but also represents the broader context of Southern architecture and industrial practices in the early 20th century.