1766 Church in Owens, King George Co, VA - Historical Photo

This vintage photograph captures the historical architecture of a church located in Owens, King George County, Virginia. Built in 1766, the structure exhibits a square cruciform design with arms of equal length, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. The church fell into ruins by 1812, highlighting the impact of time on early American buildings. In 1813, the county repurposed the site as an academy, modifying the chancels position from its original east end to the northern wall.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, emphasizing the significance of colonial churches in Virginias architectural heritage. The photograph is credited to Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent figure in documenting American architecture. It also serves as a reference point for those interested in the evolution of religious structures and educational establishments in early American history.

This photograph, published in Henry Irving Brocks Colonial Churches in Virginia in 1930, remains a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts of Virginias architectural legacy.