Accomack County Jail, Virginia 19th Century History Photo

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, highlights a jail located in Accomack County, Virginia. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant architectural structures across the Southern United States. The survey provides a historical perspective on various building types, including jails, which played a crucial role in local governance and law enforcement during their operational years.

Accomack County is situated on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and has a rich history influenced by colonial settlement and maritime activities. The jail depicted in this photograph is emblematic of the 19th-century architectural styles prevalent in the region, reflecting both functionality and community standards of the time.

This image serves as a valuable historical record, offering insights into the architectural and social history of Accomack County. It was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and remains a significant piece within the Library of Congresss extensive collection.