Spiral Stairs, Rowan County, NC 1800-1810 Photo

Frances Benjamin Johnstons vintage photograph captures a significant architectural feature from North Carolinas Rowan County, specifically in the vicinity of Spencer. The image showcases spiral stairs in a building dating from approximately 1800 to 1810, reflecting the craftsmanship and design trends of early American architecture. This particular structure is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive documentation of buildings from the period.

Johnston, known for her contributions to architectural photography, provides a glimpse into the historical context of North Carolina’s architectural landscape through this image. The photograph is part of a broader collection that emphasizes the importance of preserving and understanding regional architectural heritage.

The image was published in Thomas Tileston Watermans The Early Architecture of North Carolina in 1941 and was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953. 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.