Historic Aldie VA Dwelling, Built 1823, Photo by Johnston

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases a historic dwelling located in Aldie, Loudoun County, Virginia. Constructed in 1823, this notable building was built under the watchful eye of President James Monroe, with Thomas Jefferson supervising its construction and Captain James Hoban serving as the architect. The first guest to grace its halls was none other than the Marquis de Lafayette, highlighting its significance in American history.

In 1850, Colonel Fairfax purchased the property from the Monroe estate, further embedding it in the local narrative. The structure is characterized by its stone walls and elegant porticoes, which reflect the architectural styles of the period. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, housed in the Library of Congress, and serves as a crucial record of early American architecture.

For those interested in historical architecture, this photograph not only captures a moment in time but also serves as a reminder of the rich history intertwined with Virginia’s landscape.