Sowers House, Salisbury NC, 1783 - Early American Architectu

This vintage photograph captures the Sowers House, located in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina. Built in 1783 by A.L. Long, son of Thomas Long, this historical structure showcases distinctive brickwork that includes the initials A.L. and E.L. enclosed in hearts, rendered in glazed headers. The house is a significant example of early American architecture from the post-colonial period.

The Sowers House is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project aimed at documenting important architectural sites in the region. This survey is preserved in the Library of Congress, reflecting the importance of such buildings in understanding the architectural history of North Carolina.

Published in Thomas Tileston Waterman’s The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941, the image serves as a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, illustrating the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of early American homes. This photograph is a remarkable glimpse into the architectural legacy of North Carolina.