Downtown in Raleigh in Wake County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Federal Building/Century Postal Station
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 2023
1. Federal Building/Century Postal Station Marker
of Historic Places
May 6, 1971
Federal Building
Century Pstal Station
Raleigh, North Carolina
Alfred B. Mullett
architect 1874
This property significantly contributes to the
nation's cultural heritage
Commemorated June 1976
Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States
Jack Eckerd, Administrator of General Services
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 35° 46.601′ N, 78° 38.372′ W. Marker is in Raleigh, North Carolina, in Wake County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Fayetteville Street and East Martin Street, on the right when traveling south on Fayetteville Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Fayetteville St, Raleigh NC 27601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rotary Club of Raleigh (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andrew Johnson Birth Site (about 700 feet away); William W. Holden (about 800 feet away); Gales Family (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church
this page online
Regarding Federal Building/Century Postal Station. Excerpts from the National Register nomination:
In l856 Congress appropriated $50,000 for a "United States Court Room and Post Office in Raleigh, North Carolina." The site was not selected until August 7, 1860, when the United States of America paid Annie Lawrence $7,700 for city lot 99, known as the "Lawrence Hotel lot, " which measured 210 feet by 110 feet and was located on the southwest corner of Fayetteville and West Martin streets.
Alfred B. Mullett, who became Supervising Architect of the Treasury Department in 1865, continuously shelved the design for the Federal Building in Raleigh, contending the cost limit was inadequate even though the $50,000 limit of 1856 had been raised to $100,000 by l872. In 1873 Congress raised the appropriation to $200,000; designs were prepared during the spring of 1873. On July 4, 1874, ceremonies were held forlaying the cornerstone…Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 1, 20232. Federal Building/Century Postal Station Marker
William A. Hearne, the Site Superintendent Architect, resigned on December 17, 1875 for political reasons. He was replaced by C. S. Harris who was removed in 1878 because of delays and overspending as the building neared completion. After Harris's dismissal, all payments were made by William W. Holden, Postmaster and Custodian of the Post Office. Changes in 1908, 1912, and 1938 almost doubled the size of the building.
Also see . . .
1. Federal Building (PDF). National Register nomination for the building, which was listed in 1971. (Prepared by John B. Wells III; via National Archives) (Submitted on September 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Federal Building (Raleigh, North Carolina). Wikipedia entry on the building, said to be the first Federal Government project in the South following the Civil War. (Submitted on September 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
