|
1861 U.S. Custom House: Visitor Information
 |
|
One of the oldest and most elegant public buildings in Galveston, the U.S. Custom House has been GHF’s headquarters since 1999.
No. 5 on the Places to Visit Map.
|
The U.S. Custom House was begun in 1860 and completed in 1861. The Boston firm of Blaisdell and Emerson built it in 114 days, an unprecedented accomplishment at the time. The extensive use of fireproof cast iron was revolutionary and likely accounted for the survival from the 1885 Galveston Fire. During the Civil War, the Confederate Army occupied the building. In 1865, the Custom House was the site of the ceremony officially ending the war in Galveston. The U.S. Government resumed occupancy that year after making extensive repairs.
Significant alterations were made in 1917 when the U.S. Custom House became the Federal Courthouse and a courtroom was created on the second floor. Continuing to serve as a courthouse and offices for federal agencies throughout the twentieth century, the U.S. Custom House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
In 1998, the Galveston Historical Foundation signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration that permitted the Foundation to lease and rehabilitate the building for its headquarters. Its Preservation Resource Center provides the public access to Galveston’s architectural history through historic property research, neighborhood information and technical rehabilitation guidance. The building is also available for private events.
 |
|
Entrance and reception hall of the U.S. Custom House.
|
|
