Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Old U.S. Customs House & Post Office

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

1. Old U.S. Customs House & Post Office Marker

Inscription. Built of Petersburg granite and constructed between 1856 and 1860, the U.S. Customs House and Post Office was designed by Ammi B. Young, architect of the U.S. Treasury Department building in Washington D.C. The decision to add the third story was made during construction. During the Civil War, this upper story served as headquarters for the Confederate military department of Southern Virginia and North Carolina, commanded variously by James Longstreet, D.H. Hill, George E. Pickett, and P.G.T. Beauregard.

The three southern bays of the building were added between 1908 and 1910. In 1938, the building was renovated as part of a Works Progress Administration project to become Petersburg’s City Hall, and retains that use today.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 37° 13.8′ N, 77° 24.324′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of West Tabb Street and North Union Street, on the left when traveling west on West Tabb Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. St. Paul's Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Corling's Corner (about 700 feet away); Readjuster Party (about 700 feet away); Exchange Building (about 700 feet away); Golden Ball Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, Tuskegee Airman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Formation of the Southern Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

W Tabb St & N Union St.. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

2. W Tabb St & N Union St..

The Old U.S. Customs House & Post Office served as Confederate Headquarters during the Civil War.

Union Street side of building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

3. Union Street side of building.

Post Office Plaque. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

4. Post Office Plaque.

Built as Post Office 1856, Remodeled as City Hall 1938, City Council members...

Petersburg WW II Memorial. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

5. Petersburg WW II Memorial.

In Memory of our heroes who died in World War II. Their name liveth for evermore. Dedicated November 11, 1948. Erected under auspices Petersburg Post No. 2 The American Legion.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,545 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.