Bristol Customshouse and Post Office, Customs house and post office in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States
The Bristol Customshouse and Post Office is a two-story building made of deep red brick in Rhode Island. Each side features three arched openings trimmed with sandstone moldings, and iron-barred windows give the structure its distinctive appearance.
The building was constructed in 1858 as a federal facility during Bristol's active maritime trading era. It served as a customs and post office for generations before closing in 1962, then underwent major restoration in the 1990s.
The Italian palazzo style building, designed by Ammi B. Young, represents federal architecture standards of the 1850s with its iron-barred windows and shallow balcony.
The structure now houses a restaurant and bar, making it accessible to visitors who can explore the historic rooms. It sits in central Bristol and is straightforward to reach on foot from the town center.
The building was designed by prominent architect Ammi B. Young, known for his federal structures in Italian palazzo style. This refined architectural approach was unusual for a customs house of this modest size.
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