Historic Compton, MD 1661: Colonial Architecture Photo

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases a historic site in St. Marys County, Maryland, specifically in the vicinity of Compton. The structure, dating back to approximately 1661, was part of a land patent granted in 1640 to William Bretton. Notably, in 1661, Bretton entrusted part of the manor to the Jesuits, highlighting the areas colonial history and its early religious influences.

The photograph offers a glimpse into the architectural styles of the period, featuring distinctive brickwork and a portico that characterizes early American farmhouses. The image also captures elements of rural life, including chickens that contribute to the agricultural backdrop of the region. While a square chapel once stood beside the house, only traces of its foundation remain, emphasizing the passage of time and changes in the landscape.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an important collection that documents the architectural history of the region.

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.