Historic Farnham VA Building, 1737 Church to Distillery

This vintage photograph, created by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a historic structure located in Farnham, Richmond County, Virginia. The building dates back to approximately 1737 and has an intriguing history. Originally serving as a church, it was repurposed after 1800 as a storehouse and distillery. During the Civil War, it was utilized as a stable. Although it underwent restoration, the building tragically burned down in 1888.

The architectural features of the structure, including its brickwork, doors, and windows, exemplify the colonial style prominent in Virginia. This image forms part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, highlighting the rich architectural heritage of the region. It was published in Henry Irving Brocks 1930 work, Colonial Churches in 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.