Historic 1699 Wooden House in Huger, SC - 1938 Photo

This vintage photograph captures a significant structure in Huger, Berkeley County, South Carolina, associated with Frances Benjamin Johnston, an important figure in early 20th-century photography. The building, constructed in 1699 by Benjamin Simons, a Huguenot, is recognized as perhaps the oldest wooden house in South Carolina. Remarkably, it has remained within the Simons family since its inception.

The house underwent redecoration in the 1800s, retaining elements of its original design while adapting to the tastes of the time. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project that documented the architectural history of the region. The photograph emphasizes the architectural significance of the structure and its historical context within South Carolina.

Published in Samuel Gaillard Stoneys Plantations of the Carolina Low Country in 1938, this photograph serves as a valuable resource for understanding the heritage and architectural evolution of the area. It remains a testament to the enduring legacy of early American architecture.