Owen B. Pickett United States Custom House, Norfolk
The Custom House stands as a proud testament to the city鈥檚 rich maritime and trade history. The original Customs Service presence in Norfolk dates back to 1819, and as commerce boomed, it became clear that a more grandiose, permanent structure was needed.
Constructed between 1852 and 1858, the building was designed by Treasury Supervising Architect Ammi B. Young. Young crafted the structure with a nod to classical Roman architecture-complete with a commanding granite fa莽ade, a sweeping staircase, and a monumental two-story portico supported by six fluted Corinthian columns. The granite, sourced from Blue Hill, Maine, features a rusticated base and smooth ashlar above, enhancing its enduring presence.
Beyond its exterior grandeur, the Custom House is rich in architectural details. Inside, graceful cast-iron columns, girders, and beams support the structure, while a broad corridor with ceramic tile flooring leads visitors to an elegant circular cast-iron staircase with a mahogany handrail. Historic touches like marble-tiled corridors, vaulted ceilings, and fireplaces remain intact.
An addition was crafted in 1935 to blend seamlessly with the original design. After enduring Confederate occupation early in the Civil War, it has consistently functioned as a customs office for well over a century. Recognized for its historic and architectural significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and following a restoration at the turn of the millennium, it was renamed in honor of U.S. Representative Owen B. Pickett in 2001.
Constructed between 1852 and 1858, the building was designed by Treasury Supervising Architect Ammi B. Young. Young crafted the structure with a nod to classical Roman architecture-complete with a commanding granite fa莽ade, a sweeping staircase, and a monumental two-story portico supported by six fluted Corinthian columns. The granite, sourced from Blue Hill, Maine, features a rusticated base and smooth ashlar above, enhancing its enduring presence.
Beyond its exterior grandeur, the Custom House is rich in architectural details. Inside, graceful cast-iron columns, girders, and beams support the structure, while a broad corridor with ceramic tile flooring leads visitors to an elegant circular cast-iron staircase with a mahogany handrail. Historic touches like marble-tiled corridors, vaulted ceilings, and fireplaces remain intact.
An addition was crafted in 1935 to blend seamlessly with the original design. After enduring Confederate occupation early in the Civil War, it has consistently functioned as a customs office for well over a century. Recognized for its historic and architectural significance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and following a restoration at the turn of the millennium, it was renamed in honor of U.S. Representative Owen B. Pickett in 2001.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Norfolk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Owen B. Pickett United States Custom House on Map
Sight Name: Owen B. Pickett United States Custom House
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Norfolk, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Norfolk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Norfolk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Norfolk Introduction Walking Tour
The Southern forces were left dumbfounded when one of their own, Norfolk native Mary Louvestre, revealed their plans to the Union government. Mary's act gave the Union navy an upper hand in the sea battle against Confederate ships.
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles