Old Customshouse (Wilmington, Delaware) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Customshouse
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Old Customshouse in front of the new Courthouse
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | 516 N. King St., Wilmington, Delaware |
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| Area | 0.43 acres |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | Ammi B. Young |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000604 |
| Added to NRHP | 1974-11-21 |
The Old Customshouse is a special old building in Wilmington, Delaware. It is located at 516 North King Street. This building was finished in 1855. It is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
History of the Old Customshouse
The Old Customshouse has a long and interesting past. It started as a place where taxes were collected on goods coming into the country. This is what a "custom house" does.
Early Days of the Custom House
At first, Delaware's custom house was in a different town called New Castle. Around 1800, it moved to a small rented building in Wilmington. This building was on Water Street.
In 1837, a group called the First Board of Trade was formed. Their goal was to help more ships and goods come through Wilmington's port. One of their first ideas was to ask the government for a permanent custom house.
Building the New Custom House
A politician named George R. Riddle helped get money for the new building. This money was approved in 1852. The building was finished in 1855.
Even though it was meant to be just for customs, other important groups used it too. The Federal Court and the Post Office shared the building. They stayed there until 1897.
Later Uses of the Building
During the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Old Customshouse had another important job. It was the place where young men in Delaware reported for military service. This was part of the "draft" system.
Later, the Wilmington Parking Authority built a large parking garage next to the building. It could hold 1,335 cars.
In 1983, Wilmington University bought the building. They used it for meetings and classes for their students. In 2008, the university sold the building to a group of investors. This group then created a company called Old Customs House LLC.
Architecture and Design
The Old Customshouse has a special design. It was created by an architect named Ammi B. Young.
Greek Revival Style
The building is designed in the Greek Revival style. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. It has a grand and formal appearance.
The building has two stories. The bottom part is made of cut stone. The outside walls are covered in stucco. It also has four smokestacks on the roof.
Changes Over Time
The building used to have a large porch with a triangular top. This part is called a "portico." But this portico was removed in 1929.
The roof of the building is unique. It is a "hip roof" and is made of iron. This was a very new and clever way to build roofs back then. It showed off new ways to work with metal.
