1755 Dorchester SC Historic Building Vintage Photo

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, depicts a historical structure located near the Ashley River in Dorchester County, South Carolina. The building, constructed in 1755 by John Williams, features distinctive Baroque gables that were rebuilt in 1868. While the structure retains much of its original charm, the interiors and covered piazza have been modernized. Remarkably, this property has remained within the same family since its inception.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative that documented southern architecture during the early 20th century. The photograph highlights the architectural significance of the region, showcasing both the historical context and the evolution of plantation life.

For those interested in South Carolinas architectural heritage, this photograph serves as a valuable artifact. It is published in Samuel Gaillard Stoneys Plantations of the Carolina Low Country and represents an important aspect of the areas cultural history.