1920s Well House in Buckingham County, Virginia

This vintage photograph from Buckingham County, Virginia, captures a well house, a structure integral to rural life in the early 20th century. Well houses were designed to protect water sources while also providing a convenient space for household water access. This image contributes to a greater understanding of the architectural styles and domestic needs of the time.

Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a prominent photographer known for her documentation of Southern architecture, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. The survey aimed to catalog and preserve the rich architectural heritage of the region, and this photograph serves as an important historical reference.

Captured with precision, this well house is representative of the agricultural lifestyle that defined much of Virginias history. The image not only showcases the design of such structures but also reflects the communitys connection to its natural resources.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.