John S. Norris's fireproof architectural marvel serving its original purpose for over 150 years
Photo from Wikipedia (Public Domain) - U.S. Custom House on Bay Street
Third Generation Federal Building
Savannah has been home to three U.S. Custom Houses to date. The current location on East Bay and Bull Streets is the third iteration which was built in 1848. Leading up to the construction of this location, Savannah's first U.S. Custom House opened in 1789 and was located on Commerce Row. In 1819, the city's second U.S. Custom House opened but burnt down in a fire in 1837.
The third and final U.S. Custom House in Savannah was designed and built by New York architect John S. Norris. When this U.S. Custom House first opened, the U.S. Post Office occupied the basement, the Customs Service occupied the ground floor, and the federal courts occupied the second floor.
Savannah's U.S. Custom House is a great representation of architecture that strived to be as fireproof as possible. With the city's known history of fires, Norris wanted to design a fireproof construction that kickstarted a movement throughout the city to prevent future devastation.
Design Innovation
This revolutionary approach to fire prevention, however, did not negatively impact the building's design, proving that safety and beauty could coexist in architectural excellence.
The exterior of the building is surrounded by a distinctive cast-iron fence which gives it its signature appearance. The main facade of the building boasts six monolithic columns, which support the portico.
Grand Entrance
A granite staircase leads visitors into the main public lobby and altogether creates a grand entrance for the building, exemplifying the grandeur expected of federal architecture.
Interior Design
Upon entering the building, a solid granite staircase sits at the center point of the building's first floor. Its cast-iron railings match that of the exterior fence and display a closed tobacco leaf motif.
Symbolic Details
The tobacco leaf motif in the cast-iron work reflects Savannah's agricultural heritage and economic importance in the tobacco trade during the 19th century.
In 1860, the infamous case of the "Wanderer" yacht was tried in the building, which was the last documented case of a violation of the law preventing the importation of slaves.
Historic Legal Precedent
This case marked the end of an era and demonstrated the building's role in enforcing federal law during a tumultuous period in American history.
Civil Rights Milestone (1889)
Twenty-nine years later, in 1889, Colonel John H. Deveaux worked as the first African American U.S. Customs Collector in the building.
Breaking Barriers
This appointment represented a significant step forward in civil rights and federal employment opportunities for African Americans in the post-Civil War era.
This monument is not only notable for its rich history in customs, but the site it sits on was once home to James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of the Colony of Georgia and designer of Savannah's town plan.
Today, the building is still used for its original purpose as Savannah's U.S. Custom House. This continuous use for over 150 years demonstrates the building's enduring functionality and importance.
Architectural Preservation
At over 150 years old, Savannah's U.S. Custom House is an exemplary architectural marvel showcasing Greek Revival style that has withstood the test of time.
Authentic Historic Experience
Minimal changes have been made to the structure over this time, and most of what you can see is original dating back to the original construction of the building. Visitors can enjoy a glimpse at a piece of nineteenth-century architecture that continues to fulfill its original intended purpose to this day.
Savannah's first U.S. Custom House opens on Commerce Row, establishing federal presence in the port city.
1819 - Second Custom House
The city's second U.S. Custom House opens but burns down in a devastating fire in 1837.
1848 - Current Building
John S. Norris designs and builds the fireproof third Custom House on East Bay and Bull Streets.
1860 - "Wanderer" Trial
Infamous "Wanderer" yacht case tried, marking the last documented slave importation violation case.
1889 - Civil Rights Milestone
Colonel John H. Deveaux becomes first African American U.S. Customs Collector.
1966 - Historic Landmark
Designated as contributing building in Savannah National Historic Landmark District.
1974 - National Register
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring federal preservation protection.