Historic House in Accomack County, VA - 1815 Photo

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, features a historic house located in Accomack County, Virginia. Built by Edmund Bowman, a local Justice, this residence was later acquired by his daughter Gertrude, who married Englishman John Cropper. The house that stands today was constructed in 1815 and has remained within the Cropper family ever since. The image captures notable architectural elements, including its distinctive porches and dormers, showcasing the eras craftsmanship.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive documentation of significant Southern architecture. An interpositive transparency was created for the Library of Congress in the 1980s from an original negative that had deteriorated. This image not only serves as a visual record of the structure but also contributes to the understanding of architectural evolution in Virginia.

Accomack County, rich in history and architectural significance, offers a glimpse into early American life through this preserved image. The photograph stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family and architecture in the region.