Apalachicola in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Apalachicola Post Office and Customs House

Apalachicola Historic Walking Tour

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 17, 2025

1. Apalachicola Post Office and Customs House Marker

Inscription.

Apalachicola Post Office and Customs House. Apalachicola Historic Walking Tour. In the early 1900s there were several federal agencies with offices in Apalachicola.The customs house, post office, and inspector of steamships were spread throughout town but had long been established in Apalachicola. It was in 1823 that the first customs official was appointed here, when Apalachicola was still a small trading post known as Cottonton in territory newly acquired from Spain. The post office was established 1829. The steamboat inspection service for the district of Apalachicola was created by an 1871 Act of Congress. , , In 1914 Congress passed a bill authorizing the construction of a single building to house these agencies. However, because of World War I the construction contract was not awarded until 1922 to Devault and Dietrich Construction Company of Canton, Ohio. The Colonial Revival style building displays Spanish influence with its stucco finish over brick semi-circular transom structure, semi-circular transom window and Spanish tile roof. It was completed in 1923. The style is typical of federal structures built in Florida during that era. , , In 1914 Congress a bill authorizing the construction of a single building to house these agencies. However, because of World War I the construction contract was not awarded until 1922 to Devault and Dietrich Construction Company of Canton, Ohio. The Colonial Revival style building displays Spanish influence with its stucco over brick structure, semi-circular transom window and Spanish tile roof. It was completed in 1923. The style is typical of federal structures built in Florida during that era. , , The first floor of the building remains the post office. The second floor provided space for the other federal agencies in town at that time, including the recently established local office of the weather bureau. Over the years all the federal agencies other than the post office have moved out of the building. The last agency to move out was the weather service in the 1970s, taking their weather radar with them. The second floor now houses private offices. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The photo above was taken in 1929 (State Archives of Florida). To learn more, visit www.DowntownApalachicola.com.

In the early 1900s there were several federal agencies with offices in Apalachicola.The customs house, post office, and inspector of steamships were spread throughout town but had long been established in Apalachicola. It was in 1823 that the first customs official was appointed here, when Apalachicola was still a small trading post known as Cottonton in territory newly acquired from Spain. The post office was established 1829. The steamboat inspection service for the district of Apalachicola was created by an 1871 Act of Congress.

In 1914 Congress passed a bill authorizing the construction of a single building to house these agencies. However, because of World War I the construction contract was not awarded until 1922 to Devault & Dietrich Construction Company of Canton, Ohio. The Colonial Revival style building displays Spanish influence with its stucco finish over brick semi-circular transom structure, semi-circular transom window and Spanish tile roof. It was completed in 1923. The style is typical of federal structures built in Florida during that era.

In 1914 Congress a bill authorizing the construction of a single building to house these agencies. However, because of World War I the construction contract was not awarded until 1922 to Devault & Dietrich Construction Company of Canton, Ohio. The Colonial

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Revival style building displays Spanish influence with its stucco over brick structure, semi-circular transom window and Spanish tile roof. It was completed in 1923. The style is typical of federal structures built in Florida during that era.

The first floor of the building remains the post office. The second floor provided space for the other federal agencies in town at that time, including the recently established local office of the weather bureau. Over the years all the federal agencies other than the post office have moved out of the building. The last agency to move out was the weather service in the 1970s, taking their weather radar with them. The second floor now houses private offices. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The photo above was taken in 1929 (State Archives of Florida). To learn more, visit www.DowntownApalachicola.com.

Erected by Apalachicola Main Street and VisitFlorida.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 29° 43.64′ N, 84° 59.002′ W. Marker is in Apalachicola, Florida, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Avenue D and Commerce Street, on the right when traveling north on Avenue D

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Apalachicola Post Office and Customs House Marker

. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Ave D, Apalachicola FL 32320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture,

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: The Cook Insurance Building (a few steps from this marker); The Historic Orman Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cook Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fradozia Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.E. Grady & Co. (about 300 feet away); The Sponge Exchange (about 400 feet away); When the River Was King! (about 400 feet away); Apalachicola’s Sponge Industry (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apalachicola.

Also see . . . Apalachiola History. Town website entry (Submitted on March 18, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.