Idlewyld Building, Tuscaloosa AL, 1838 Vintage Photo

This vintage photograph captures Idlewyld, a historic building located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Constructed in 1838 for Thos. Lynch Carson, Idlewyld showcases classical architectural elements, including prominent columns and elegant balconies. The structure is a significant representation of early 19th-century architecture in the South.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents the rich architectural heritage of this region. Frances Benjamin Johnston, the photographer, was known for her detailed depictions of American architecture. This photograph serves as a valuable historical record, reflecting the craftsmanship and design principles of its time.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph remains an important artifact for those interested in the architectural history of Alabama. The preservation of such images promotes a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical landscape of Tuscaloosa.