Downtown in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Customhouse, 1859

The Customhouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

1. The Customhouse Marker

Inscription. Construction of this customhouse began in 1852 and was completed in 1859, replacing an 1819 customhouse located at Water and Church Streets (now Waterside Drive and St. Paul’s Boulevard). This building was designed by Ammi B. Young (1798–1874), the first supervising architect for the United States Treasury Department, who established high architectural standards for federal buildings. During his career Young designed some 70 government buildings around the country, including the customhouses in Richmond and Petersburg. Departing from his more customary Tuscan designs, Young developed a rich Classical Revival design for this granite structure. Adapting a new material to traditional forms, both the interior columns and the capitals of the exterior columns are made of cast iron. All of the Federal agencies in Norfolk, including courts on the upper floor and the post office in the basement, were housed in this building until space needs prompted the construction of a new Federal courthouse and post office in 1900. The exterior of the building has not been significantly altered since its construction.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location.

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36° 50.773′ N, 76° 17.541′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and Granby Street, on the left when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Four Farthing or Town Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Granby Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Norfolk 1682 (about 500 feet away); Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk (about 500 feet away); The First Battle of Ironclad Ships, 1862 (about 500 feet away); The Cedar (about 600 feet away); Half Moone Fort, 1673 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

The Customhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

2. The Customhouse

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, August 10, 2010

3. The Customhouse

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

4. Customhouse

Norfolk Customehouse Designated an Historic Customhouse A major architectural landmark in the State of Virginia, Completed in 1859. United States cusoms service Vernon D. Acree, Commissioner of Customs October 30, 1973 On September 14, 1988, by authorization of Commissioner of Customs William Von Raab, this historic structure, which has served as a customhouse since 1858, was rededicated in honor and recognition of two centuries of service by men and women of the U.S. Customs service, whose contributions and sacrifice have played a significant role in the development of the United States of America and the protection of its citizens. U.S. Customs Bicentennial 1789-1989

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

5. Customhouse

United Sates Customs House has been registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark pursuant to the authority vested in the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Act of 1966 City of Norfolk Design Award 2001. This award of Excellence Recognizes the U.S. Customhouse. The norfolk City Council and the Norfolk Design Review COmmittee herby recognize this outstanding project for its excellence in design and significant Contribution to the betterment of its surrounding environment and the City of Norfolk. Presented on the 15th day of May in the year 2001.

Customhouse Flag Pole image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

6. Customhouse Flag Pole

Flag Pole Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

7. Flag Pole Marker

The flag pole on this site was presented to U.S. Customs service Bicentennial commemoration of the U.S. Customhouse. September 14, 1988. Presented by Customhouse brokers & Int'l Forwarders Assn of Virginia Hampton Roads Maritime Assn Virginia Internation Terminals Virginia Port Authority

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,608 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 30, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 5, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.