Smithfield, VA: 1632 Colonial Church Landmark

This vintage photograph captures a significant architectural landmark located in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, specifically in the vicinity of Smithfield. The building, constructed in 1632, is recognized as the oldest surviving structure in America built by English settlers, emerging just twenty-five years after the establishment of Jamestown.

Notably, this church showcases distinctive brickwork and features typical of early colonial architecture, including prominent towers and doorways. Its historical importance is underscored by its inclusion in the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project dedicated to documenting significant southern architecture.

The image is part of the Frances Benjamin Johnston collection, reflecting a crucial period in American history. It was published in Henry Irving Brocks Colonial Churches in Virginia in 1930, ensuring its place in the narrative of early American colonial life.

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.