1830s Architecture in Florence, Alabama: Historic Building

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases a significant architectural structure located in Lauderdale County, Alabama, near Florence. The building dates back to around 1830 and was constructed by James Hood, with Nathaniel Marks serving as the contractor. It features a two-story brick design with one-story wings on either side and a pitched roof, indicative of the architectural style of the period.

The image captures notable interior elements, including detailed stairways, hand railings, and balusters, which highlight the craftsmanship of early 19th-century architecture. The building has undergone additions at its rear but remains an important part of the historical landscape in the region.

This photograph contributes to the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, emphasizing the heritage and design of structures from that era. It is a valuable representation of Alabamas architectural history and a testament to the artistry involved in its construction.