Charleston SC Architecture 1740 Historical Image

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage image of a significant structure in Charleston, South Carolina, dating back to 1740. Built by John Drayton, the building exemplifies the architectural styles characteristic of the region. Its intricate brickwork, elegant doors, and prominent stairways reflect the craftsmanship of the time, highlighting the historical significance of early American dwellings.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting architectural heritage throughout the southern United States. The survey was instrumental in preserving and showcasing the unique architectural styles that have shaped the cultural landscape of the South.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, the image serves as a valuable educational resource and a piece of history. It is also featured in Samuel Gaillard Stoneys work, Plantations of the Carolina Low Country, published in 1938, further underlining its importance in the study of southern architecture.