Port Tobacco MD Barbour House Photo, 19th Century History

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage photograph in Port Tobacco, Maryland, a historical site within Charles County. The image features the Henry Hawkins Barbour house, an example of the plank building style prevalent in the 19th century. This structure is notable for its architectural significance and its ties to the regions history.

Port Tobacco was an important colonial port and served as the county seat until 1895. The area has seen significant changes over the years, with many buildings, including the Barbour house, falling into disrepair. This photograph, part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, documents these abandoned structures and preserves their historical context.

The image is part of the collection at the Library of Congress, reflecting the efforts to catalog and appreciate Americas architectural heritage. It serves as an educational resource for those interested in Marylands history and the evolution of its rural architecture.