Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

1. Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House Marker

Inscription. Authorized by
The Congress of the United States
* March 4, 1854 *
Construction completed
* March 31, 1864 *
This was the first building erected
by the United States of America
for civil uses in the State of Texas
The first session of the United States District Court
was held in this building January, 1861, prior to completion
by
The Honorable John C. Watrous
The first
United States District Judge
for the
State of Texas
as a result of the restoration the building is hereby redesignated
United States Court House – Federal Building
June 17, 1967

Erected 1967.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1861.

Location. 29° 18.327′ N, 94° 47.379′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. It is on Postoffice Street (Avenue E) east of 20th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, near the northeast corner, facing Postoffice

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Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 502 20th Street, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Federal Building 1857 (within shouting distance of this marker); Melrose Apartment Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1894 Grand Opera House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); Old Galveston Market House and City Hall (about 600 feet away); St. Mary's Cathedral (about 600 feet away); American National Insurance Company (about 700 feet away); Site of Galveston Seminary (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.

Other markers no longer nearby. St. Mary's Cathedral (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Jackie Andrews Private School (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. The marker is a large metal plaque, with two related markers mounted underneath.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. U.S. Custom House, Galveston, Texas (1861)

Also see . . . United States Customs House and Court House. Wikipedia entry:
The building was begun in 1860 and completed in 1861. The Boston firm of Blaisdell and Emerson

Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House Marker (<i>tall view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

2. Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House Marker (tall view)

built it in 114 days, an unprecedented accomplishment at the time. The extensive use of fireproof cast iron was revolutionary then and likely accounted for the building's survival from the 1885 Galveston fire. During the Civil War, the Confederate Army occupied the building. In 1865 it was the site of the ceremony officially ending the war in Galveston. (Submitted on June 19, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

3. Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House Marker (wide view)

Historic Customhouse Designation Plaque (1974) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

4. Historic Customhouse Designation Plaque (1974)

Designated an
Historic Customhouse
by
U.S. Commissioner of Customs
Vernon D. Acree
October 3, 1974

U.S. Customs Bicentennial 1789-1989 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

5. U.S. Customs Bicentennial 1789-1989

On May 12, 1988, by authorization of
Commissioner of Customs William Von Raab,
this historic structure, which first served
as a customhouse upon its completion in 1861,
was rededicated in honor and recognition
of two centuries of service by men and
women of the U.S. Customs Service, whose
contributions and sacrifices have played a
significant role in the development of the
United States of America and the protection
of its Citizens.

Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House (<i>northwest corner view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 14, 2018

6. Custom House, Post Office and United States Court House (northwest corner view)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 862 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.