Historic 1842 Building in Selma, Alabama - 19th Century Arch

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a historic building located in Selma, Alabama, specifically in Dallas County. Constructed in 1842, this two-story masonry structure is characterized by its round stone columns adorning the front façade. The fine ironwork on the second-story balcony adds to the architectural significance of the property, which is a notable example of 19th-century Southern architecture.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive project aimed at documenting the rich architectural heritage across the Southern United States. The survey provides invaluable insight into the design and construction techniques of the era and is preserved in the Library of Congress.

Johnstons work is recognized for its detailed representation of interiors, including stairways, balusters, and hand railings. This particular photograph not only serves as a historical document but also as an artistic representation of a bygone architectural style in Alabama.