Charleston SC Historic Building Photo, 1845

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a historic building in Charleston, South Carolina, constructed around 1845. The residence, originally built by William Ravenel, features a distinctive brick arcaded porch. It once supported a Greek portico that extended through the upper stories, showcasing the architectural elegance of the period.

The building met its demise during the devastating earthquake of 1886, which significantly altered the architectural landscape of Charleston. The image serves as a valuable record of antebellum architecture, reflecting the design elements common in the region, such as balconies, intricate brickwork, and decorative railings.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South and was purchased from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953. It stands as an important historical artifact, preserving the legacy of Charleston’s architectural 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.