Shirley Plantation, Charles City VA, Historic Image 1650

Frances Benjamin Johnston captured this vintage image of Shirley, a historic plantation located in Charles City County, Virginia. The building, dating back to around 1650, showcases early American architecture and has deep historical significance. In 1660, it was granted to Colonel Edward Hill, a prominent member of the House of Burgesses. By 1723, the property passed to the Carter family through marriage, and it remains in their lineage today.

The photograph forms part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive collection that documents significant structures throughout the Southern United States. The meticulous detail in Johnstons work highlights not only the architectural features of Shirley but also its surrounding gardens and pathways, emphasizing the estate’s historical landscape.

This image serves as a visual record of Virginias rich heritage and architectural evolution. Each purchase contributes to preserving the stories behind these remarkable sites.

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.