Steam Boat Gothic Architecture in Reserve, LA (1849-1850)

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures an architectural gem located in Reserve, St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. The building, constructed between 1849 and 1850, exemplifies the Steam Boat Gothic style, characterized by its elaborate columns, fanlights, and dormers. The photograph showcases intricate details, such as hand railings and well-maintained gardens, highlighting the craftsmanship of the era.

Johnstons work is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an extensive documentation effort aimed at preserving the history of Southern architecture. This image is linked to a collection held at the Library of Congress, which aims to educate viewers about the regions unique architectural heritage.

The photograph serves as both a historical record and an artistic representation of 19th-century Louisiana architecture. It provides insight into the design sensibilities of the time while celebrating the cultural significance of the structures that have shaped the landscape of St. John the Baptist Parish.