Historic Araby Interior, La Plata, MD 1720

This vintage photograph captures an interior view of a historic building located in La Plata, Charles County, Maryland. The structure, known as Araby, dates back to around 1720 and was notable for its fine interior paneling and early staircase design, reminiscent of 17th-century Tidewater Virginia houses. Araby was once home to the widow Elbeck, whose daughter, Anne, became the wife of prominent Founding Father George Mason.

The image showcases various interior elements, including andirons, fireplaces, and furnishings that reflect the architectural style of the period. These features provide insight into the domestic life and aesthetic preferences of early American settlers in Maryland.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection housed at the Library of Congress. This survey aimed to document the architectural heritage of the Southern United States, making this image a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts of American architecture.