Cotton Gin in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, GA, 1957

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph, showcasing a cotton gin located in the Lexington vicinity of Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The image reflects the architectural style of the early 20th century, featuring wooden structures and porte-cocheres, typical of rural Southern buildings from that era.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant architectural landmarks across the region. It offers insight into the agricultural practices and economic activities of the time, particularly in relation to the cotton industry, which was a major driver of the economy in Georgia.

Published in Frederick Doveton Nichols The Early Architecture of Georgia in 1957, this image serves as a historical record and a resource for understanding the cultural heritage of Georgia. It was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and is preserved in the Library of Congress, contributing to the documentation of American architectural history.