Salisbury NC Courthouse Photo 1855 Historic Architecture

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a prominent courthouse in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. Completed in 1855, the structure features a two-story fieldstone base and brick walls that have been stuccoed. Characterized by its elegant columns and balconies, the building originally showcased a cupola with a clock and shutters secured with iron hasps.

The architectural design reflects a blend of functionality and style, typical of its era. The courthouses wood roof construction is covered with tin, ensuring durability while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Over the years, this building has become a landmark within the community, serving as a hub for legal and civic activities.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant collection that documents historical structures across the region. The photograph was published in Thomas Tileston Watermans The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, further solidifying its importance in the study of Southern architecture.

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.