Historic Church in Yorktown, VA, Built 1697

This vintage photograph captures a historic building located in Yorktown, Virginia, an area rich in colonial history. Built in 1697, the structure showcases a unique design featuring bell towers and bulls eye windows. Originally constructed as a church, its T-shaped layout included a steeple, although the transept was later removed, leaving only the nave.

Over the years, this building has served various purposes beyond its religious origins. During the Revolutionary War, it was repurposed as a magazine for British forces, and in the War of 1812, it functioned as a stable. Constructed from native mud, the buildings walls have been hardened by subsequent fires, giving it a distinctive character that reflects its storied past.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a collection that highlights significant architectural works in the region. This image contributes to understanding the architectural evolution and historical significance of churches in colonial Virginia.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.