Raleigh NC State Capitol Photo 1941

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases the architectural grandeur of the North Carolina State Capitol located in Raleigh. Constructed between 1833 and 1840, the building stands as a testament to the neoclassical style prevalent in early American public architecture. Its design incorporates elegant columns and intricate chandeliers, elements that highlight the significance of civic buildings during this period.

The State Capitol has been an important site since the original structure was completed in 1796, although it was destroyed by fire in 1831. This photograph provides insight into both the architectural details and the historical context of the building, which continues to serve as a central point of governance in North Carolina.

The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant buildings across the region. This photograph was published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, further emphasizing its historical importance.

KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.