US Custom House

Lonely Planet review

The fortress-like US Custom House covers a square block. Construction on it began in 1849 and was supervised by Lieutenant PGT Beauregard, who later commanded Confederate forces. During the Reconstruction period after the Civil War, it served as the headquarters for African Americans in the Republican party. Blacks held a majority in the Louisiana legislature, and two African Americans filled the office of lieutenant governor: Oscar J Dunn and Pickney Benton Stewart Pinchback. Meetings took place in the enormous 'Marble Hall' on the 2nd floor.

The construction of the building is also interesting. A cofferdam surrounded the excavation while the foundation was under construction; cotton bales used to seal the dam gave rise to stories that the building was founded on bales of cotton. Despite a mat of cypress timbers, the foundation has settled about 3ft under the weight of the brick and granite structure. All four sides of the building are identical.