Custom House

Custom House. . , For 150 years regional customs were administered here. In 1819, the United States government purchased the property for a custom house, a place where duties were paid and ships were cleared to enter or leave the port of Wilmington. In 1844, the early building was replaced by a three-story Greek Revival-style structure that was designed by notable American architect John Norris. The custom house contained other federal government offices and courtrooms. Until 1874, it was also the location of the U.S. post office. , By the turn of the 20th century, the port had outgrown the building. In 1915, one-half of a city block was cleared in order to build a larger custom house. James A. Wetmore, supervising architect of the U.S. Treasury, designed the Beaux Arts classical building that stands today. The wings are reminiscent of the temple-form design of the 1844 custom house. It took an unanticipated three years (1916-1919) to build because of construction delays during World War I. , Historically, the U.S. Custom House was central to all port activities. The government wharf in front of the building was the place where vessels from all over the world awaited clearance. Exotic imports or discovery of contraband could quickly attract crowds of curious onlookers. During Prohibition it was common to watch cases of illegal whiskey poured into the Cape Fear River. , In the 1960s, the U.S. customs officials moved their offices to the North Carolina State Port located south of the city. The downtown building contains federal offices and courtrooms. The recessed courtyard elevated above Water Street has become a popular place to view the scenic Cape Fear River.