Raleigh, NC Flour Mills Photo, Late 19th Century

This vintage photograph, attributed to Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a significant aspect of the flour and meal industry in Wake County, North Carolina, specifically in the vicinity of Raleigh. The image showcases traditional mills and waterwheels that played a crucial role in the regions agricultural economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures reflect the technological advancements of the era and the reliance on water power for grain processing.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents the architectural heritage and industrial practices of the region. The photograph serves as a historical record, providing insight into the landscape and the industrial activities that shaped the local community. It was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and is preserved in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

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