Confederate Orphans Home, Charleston SC, 20th Century

This vintage photograph captures the Confederate Orphans Home in Charleston, South Carolina, a significant structure from the early 20th century. The image showcases the architectural details of the building, emphasizing its balconies and hand railings, which are characteristic of the periods design aesthetics. The home served as a refuge for children orphaned during the Civil War, reflecting a crucial part of Charlestons social history.

Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a noted photographer and documentarian, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. This survey aimed to catalog and preserve the architectural heritage of the southern United States, making this photograph an essential contribution to the understanding of the regions historical landscape.

The photo was acquired from Johnstons estate in 1953 and remains an important artifact for both historians and enthusiasts of American architecture. It connects viewers to the rich narrative of Charlestons past and its efforts to care for vulnerable populations.

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.