Bella Mina House, Limestone County, Alabama, 1826 History Ph

This vintage photograph captures Bella Mina, a historic residence located in Limestone County, Alabama. Constructed in 1826 by Governor Bradley Bibb, the house showcases distinctive architectural features, including six Doric columns adorning its front façade. It is a two-story brick structure, which, at the time of documentation, was reported to be in fair condition, although the slave quarters were noted as being in poor shape.

The house holds significant historical value, having been occupied by Federal troops during the Civil War. The image offers a glimpse into the interior, highlighting the craftsmanship of the period with details such as stairways, hand railings, and balusters. This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an important collection that documents the architectural heritage of the region.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, documented this structure as part of her extensive work capturing American architecture. The image is an invaluable resource for understanding Alabamas architectural history and cultural heritage.

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.