1730 Wooden Building, Dinwiddie County, Virginia

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a wooden building located near Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Constructed around 1730 by Captain Howell Briggs, this structure holds historical significance as the birthplace of his son, Gray Briggs. Gray later served as a member of the House of Burgesses from 1752 to 1758, reflecting the early political landscape of Virginia.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative aimed at documenting the architectural heritage of the region. This survey is a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Southern architecture and the stories behind its buildings.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph is a testament to the craftsmanship and historical context of early American homes. It serves as an educational piece for those interested in Virginias colonial history and architectural development.