Ruined Church near Wilmington, NC - Carnegie Survey 1941

This vintage photograph captures a ruined church located near Wilmington in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, an influential figure in early American photography, this image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. The churchs dilapidated state showcases its architectural elements, including intricate brickwork and doorways, now overrun with vines.

The photograph is a valuable artifact from the Carnegie Survey, which aimed to document the architectural heritage of the American South. It also appears in Thomas Tileston Watermans 1941 publication, The Early Architecture of North Carolina, emphasizing the significance of such structures in understanding the regions historical landscape.

This image not only serves as a reminder of the areas rich architectural history but also evokes a sense of nostalgia for the past. The layered textures and details captured by Johnston create an engaging visual narrative that appeals to history enthusiasts and collectors alike.