Ashley River Structure, Dorchester County SC, 1755-1868

This vintage photograph captures a scene near the Ashley River in Dorchester County, South Carolina, an area rich in historical significance. The image showcases a structure built in 1755 by John Williams, known for its Baroque gables, which were reconstructed in 1868. This architectural gem has remained within the same family lineage, preserving its unique heritage.

Surrounding the building, the landscape features Spanish moss-draped trees and wetlands that characterize the Carolina Low Country. These natural elements add to the historical context, reflecting the regions environmental and cultural history.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive project documenting southern architectural styles. This image was purchased from the estate of Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1953 and published in the 1938 work Plantations of the Carolina Low Country by Samuel Gaillard Stoney. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the architectural evolution and natural beauty of South Carolinas historical sites.