Green Mountain Garden, Albemarle VA, 1900s Vintage Photo

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures a view of Green Mountain in Albemarle County, Virginia. The image showcases a garden featuring birdbaths, reflecting the design aesthetics prominent in the mid-19th century. The structure in the background dates back to 1850, serving as a testament to the architectural styles of the period.

The building has a history marked by resilience, having replaced an earlier house that was destroyed by fire in 1839. Following this loss, the Coles family used a hunting lodge, which further connects the site to local heritage and familial narratives. Johnston’s work contributes to the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an important collection documenting the regions historical structures.

This photograph, created in the early 20th century, is significant not only for its artistic value but also for its historical context. It represents a moment in time when gardens and outdoor spaces were celebrated as extensions of home and community life in Virginia.