Old Customs House, Federal courthouse in Knoxville, Tennessee
The Old Customs House is a three-story federal courthouse in Knoxville built from East Tennessee marble and located at the intersection of Clinch Avenue and Market Street. The structure displays classical federal architecture with large windows and substantial stone facades that give the interior clear, spacious rooms.
The building was designed by architect Alfred B. Mullett in 1874 and initially served as a courthouse, customs office, and post office until 1933. In subsequent decades it underwent different uses before being restored for historical preservation.
The building serves as a hub for exploring regional history through its collections and archives. Local residents and researchers come here to trace family roots and understand how the region developed over time.
The building houses a museum and archive where visitors can explore collections during regular hours. It is easily accessible on foot and offers quiet spaces for browsing documents and exhibitions.
The building was home to the Tennessee Valley Authority from the 1930s through the 1970s, a major federal agency that shaped the region's development. This period left marks on the building's structure and shows how it adapted to serve different national purposes.
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