Charleston SC 1860 Vintage Building Photograph

This vintage photograph features a building located in Charleston, South Carolina, an area rich in historical significance and architectural heritage. Constructed in 1860, the building was erected by a descendant of Jonathan Lucas, an English millwright known for establishing the first water-powered rice mill in South Carolina. The structure exemplifies the craftsmanship of the era, showcasing intricate brickwork typical of 19th-century Southern architecture.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive documentation of the regions architectural history. This particular survey provides insight into the evolution of building styles in Charleston County and highlights the importance of mills in the local economy during the 19th century.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American architecture and culture. This photograph, acquired from her estate in 1953, serves as a valuable historical record, offering a glimpse into the architectural landscape of Charleston during a pivotal time in U.S. history.