United States Customs House and Post Office
The United States Customs House and Post Office is a four-story limestone structure built in 1887 in Renaissance Revival style. It housed the post office on the first floor, customs offices on the second, and federal courts on the upper levels.
Construction followed the 1880 fire that destroyed the previous customs house, designed by Mifflin E. Bell, the Treasury Department's chief architect. It became a major center for government operations as Pensacola's port economy expanded rapidly.
The building stands on historic Palafox Street, where it reflects the city's growth through government architecture. It shows how late 1800s civic structures served as symbols of order and prosperity for the community.
The building is located downtown and is easy to reach on foot. Since it still houses government offices, some areas may not be open to the public, so check ahead about which sections visitors can access.
During construction in 1887, workers discovered underground water flowing through the foundation and used cotton bales to absorb it and complete the structure. This unusual building solution allowed the project to finish despite unexpected challenges.
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