Horses and Hay Wagon in Fredericksburg, VA 1900s

This vintage photograph captures a team of horses pulling a hay wagon as workers fork hay into the upper window of an outbuilding near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, this image documents the restoration of an estate commissioned by Mrs. Devore. The focus on agricultural labor reflects the historical significance of farming practices in early 20th-century Virginia.

The photo is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document notable structures and landscapes. This particular estate, located in Stafford County, showcases the architectural styles and rural life of the period. The image not only highlights the workers and their tools but also represents the relationship between man, animal, and the land.

Johnstons work offers a glimpse into the past, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in Virginias economy. This photograph serves as a valuable historical record, illustrating the daily life and labor of the time while preserving the legacy of the estate and its surroundings.