New york customs house
The New York Customs House, also known as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, is a historic building located at 1 Bowling Green, Manhattan, New York City. It was the main customs house for the Port of New York and New Jersey from 1849 to 1890 and is now a National Historic Landmark.
History:
The building was designed by architects Robert Mills and Ithiel Town and was completed in 1849. It was constructed to serve as the main customs house for the Port of New York and New Jersey, which was one of the busiest ports in the United States at the time. The building was named after Alexander Hamilton, who was the first Secretary of the Treasury and played a key role in the development of the U.S. customs system.
The building was designed in the Greek Revival style, with a large central clock tower and a series of smaller wings. It was constructed using granite and limestone, with a copper roof and ornate details such as columns and arches.
Function:
The New York Customs House was the main customs house for the Port of New York and New Jersey, and it was responsible for collecting duties and tariffs on goods imported into the United States. The building housed the offices of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as warehouses and storage facilities for goods.
The building was also used as a meeting place for the U.S. Customs Court, which was responsible for hearing cases related to customs and tariffs.
Decline and Restoration:
The New York Customs House was replaced by a new customs house in 1890, and the building fell into disrepair. In the mid-20th century, the building was slated for demolition to make way for a new office building, but a group of preservationists formed the New York Customs House Committee to save the building.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the building underwent a major restoration project, which included the repair of the clock tower and the restoration of the interior spaces. Today, the building is home to the United States Customs House Museum and the New York State Court of Appeals.
Interesting Facts:
- The New York Customs House is one of the oldest surviving customs houses in the United States.
- The building was designed to be fireproof, with a system of water pipes and fire-resistant materials.
- The clock tower is 140 feet tall and was originally intended to be 150 feet tall, but it was reduced in height due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building.
- The building has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including "The Godfather" and "Law & Order."
Today, the New York Customs House is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.