Historic Lodge in Chaptico, MD, Pre-1679 Photo

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases a historical structure located in St. Marys County, Maryland, specifically in the Chaptico vicinity. The building, constructed before 1679, originally served as a hunting lodge for Sir Thomas Notley, a prominent figure in early Maryland history. Notley was connected to influential families, including Col. Wm. Rozier, whose wife was Lady Ann Sewall, the step-daughter of Lord Baltimore.

The image highlights the architectural features of the lodge, including its brickwork, columns, and porches, which reflect the craftsmanship of the era. Over time, the structure has experienced deterioration, a common fate for many historic buildings. This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection housed at the Library of Congress.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image serves as an important educational resource, representing the rich architectural heritage of Maryland and the early settlement period in the region.