New London Customhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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New London Custom House
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New London Custom House
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 150 Bank St., New London, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | Robert Mills |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000706 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1970 |
The New London Custom House is a really old and important building in New London, Connecticut. It was built a long time ago, between 1833 and 1835. A famous architect named Robert Mills designed it.
This building has a special place in history because of a ship called the La Amistad. In 1839-1840, this ship was held right behind the Custom House. It was where a group of captured Africans bravely fought for their freedom. Today, the New London Custom House is a museum where you can learn all about the city's exciting history with the sea.
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What is the New London Custom House?
This building was once a "custom house." This means it was a government office. Officials here collected taxes on goods coming into or leaving the country by ship. It helped control trade and make sure rules were followed.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
A Look at the Historic Building
The New London Custom House is located right by the water in New London. It is a three-story building made of strong granite stones. These stones come in different colors.
Because the ground slopes, the building looks like it has two stories from Bank Street. But it has three stories from Water Street, which is closer to the water. The corners of the building have special stone pillars called pilasters.
The main entrance has a porch with round columns. The door itself is made from wood that was once part of the famous ship, the USS Constitution. The granite used to build the Custom House came from the Millstone Quarry in Waterford, Connecticut.
Robert Mills: The Architect
The New London Custom House was designed by Robert Mills. He was one of the first architects in the United States to have formal training. This means he went to school to learn how to design buildings. At the time, he worked for the United States government.
The Story of the La Amistad
One of the most famous events connected to the Custom House involves the schooner La Amistad. A schooner is a type of sailing ship. In 1839, Africans who had been captured and forced onto the La Amistad rebelled against their captors. They took control of the ship.
After their rebellion, the La Amistad was brought to New London. It was held at a dock right behind the Custom House from 1839 to 1840. The story of the Amistad and the fight for freedom became very important in American history.
Today: A Maritime Museum
Even in 1970, the building was still used as a customs office. But now, it is the home of the New London Maritime Society. They run the building as the Custom House Maritime Museum.
At the museum, you can explore New London's history with the sea. There are exhibits about:
- New London's shipping and sailing past.
- Models of different ships.
- The important story of the Amistad affair.
- The history of the building itself, designed by Robert Mills.
- The many lighthouses in the area.
The museum also has a special library called the Frank L. McGuire Maritime Library. It has over 2,300 books, maps, and pictures about the sea. The New London Maritime Society also owns and offers tours to nearby lighthouses. These include the New London Harbor Light, the Race Rock Light, and the New London Ledge Light.
