Historic Episcopal Church in Smithfield, VA (1632)

This vintage photograph captures a historic building located in Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Constructed in 1632, it is recognized as the oldest standing structure in America built by English settlers, emerging just 25 years after the Jamestown settlement. The architectural significance of this building is underscored by its inclusion in the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project that documented early American architecture.

The image showcases the distinct features of the Episcopal church, including its notable bell tower and intricate brickwork. This church has served as a central place of worship and community gathering, reflecting the rich history of early colonial life in Virginia. The photograph is part of the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate, purchased in 1953, and contributes to our understanding of colonial architecture and the evolution of religious structures in 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.