Mansfields Quarters Photo, Georgetown SC, Early 1900s

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph in Georgetown, South Carolina, showcasing a series of small houses known as Mansfields Quarters. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant documentation effort aimed at preserving the architectural heritage of the region. The photograph features traditional cabins, complete with chimneys and distinctive dormers, highlighting the unique architectural styles prevalent in African American communities during the early 20th century.

Johnstons work provides a glimpse into the living conditions and architectural choices of the time, emphasizing the use of plank buildings and porches that were characteristic of rural Southern architecture. The photograph is a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of African American life in Georgetown County.

This image, dated to the early 1900s, is preserved in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, serving as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural history of South Carolina.