Shirley Plantation, Charles City VA, Vintage Photo 1953

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, features the historic Shirley plantation located in Charles City County, Virginia. Known for its significant architectural heritage, Shirley is one of the oldest surviving plantations in the area, showcasing the unique colonial and Federal styles that characterize early American architecture.

The image captures not only the grandeur of the plantation but also items of tableware, including teapots, that reflect the domestic life of the time. This attention to detail provides insight into the social customs and everyday practices of the plantations inhabitants.

Created as part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, this photograph is an essential piece of Virginia’s historical narrative. It contributes to the understanding of American plantation life and architecture during a pivotal period in U.S. history, making it a valuable addition for collectors and historians alike. The photograph is dated from the mid-20th century and was acquired from the estate of Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1953.