Mission Atocuimi Ruins, New Smyrna, FL 1953 Photo

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures the ruins of the Mission Atocuimi de Jororo in New Smyrna, Florida, located in Volusia County. The image showcases the stone architecture and arches that characterize this historic site, reflecting the areas colonial past. The mission, originally established in the 18th century, played a significant role in the early Spanish settlements in Florida.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an extensive documentation project aimed at preserving the architectural heritage of the region. The photograph serves as a valuable visual record of the missions remains, providing insight into the construction techniques and design elements of the period.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this image is preserved in the Library of Congress, where it contributes to the understanding of Floridas architectural history. This photograph is a remarkable artifact for collectors and historians interested in early American architecture and the cultural influences that shaped it.