United States Custom House, Portland
The United States Custom House in Portland stands as a remarkable testament to the city's rich maritime history. Constructed between 1867 and 1872, the building was specifically designed to accommodate the growing customs business in the area.
The U.S. Custom House exhibits a masterful blend of architectural styles, primarily drawing inspiration from the Renaissance Revival and Second Empire styles that were popular in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century. The original design of the building remains largely intact, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its construction.
Rising three stories high, the custom house takes the form of a free-standing, I-shaped structure. It is constructed using durable New Hampshire granite, known for its resilience, and topped with a slate-shingled hipped roof. These fireproof materials were deliberately chosen in response to the devastating fire that swept through the city in 1866.
A distinguishing feature of the U.S. Custom House is its twin square cupolas that rise above the pavilions with pediments. These cupolas, adorned with mansard roofs, represent a characteristic element of the Second Empire style. Flanking the cupolas are double Corinthian order pilasters, exuding grandeur and providing a sense of symmetry to the fa莽ade. Arched Venetian windows, each adorned with a shallow pediment, further enhance the visual allure of the building.
The United States Custom House, with its blend of architectural styles and enduring elegance, remains an iconic landmark in the city, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The U.S. Custom House exhibits a masterful blend of architectural styles, primarily drawing inspiration from the Renaissance Revival and Second Empire styles that were popular in the United States during the mid-to-late 19th century. The original design of the building remains largely intact, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its construction.
Rising three stories high, the custom house takes the form of a free-standing, I-shaped structure. It is constructed using durable New Hampshire granite, known for its resilience, and topped with a slate-shingled hipped roof. These fireproof materials were deliberately chosen in response to the devastating fire that swept through the city in 1866.
A distinguishing feature of the U.S. Custom House is its twin square cupolas that rise above the pavilions with pediments. These cupolas, adorned with mansard roofs, represent a characteristic element of the Second Empire style. Flanking the cupolas are double Corinthian order pilasters, exuding grandeur and providing a sense of symmetry to the fa莽ade. Arched Venetian windows, each adorned with a shallow pediment, further enhance the visual allure of the building.
The United States Custom House, with its blend of architectural styles and enduring elegance, remains an iconic landmark in the city, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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United States Custom House on Map
Sight Name: United States Custom House
Sight Location: Portland, USA (See walking tours in Portland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Portland, USA (See walking tours in Portland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Portland, Maine
Create Your Own Walk in Portland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Portland 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.
Portland Maine Introduction Walking Tour
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Portland, Maine is the city that always dreams. Its magic is in its quiet, gentle allure. Located on the southern edge of Casco Bay, along the U.S. Atlantic coastline, Portland is known, among other things, for its picturesque natural setting.
Albeit the largest and most populous city in the State of Maine, there is a certain... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Albeit the largest and most populous city in the State of Maine, there is a certain... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
There is no doubt that Mainers have made a great mark in the history of the United States, and the seaside city of Portland is no exception. The local architectural heritage encapsulates several centuries, reflecting various periods of American history 鈥� from the early colonial settlers' homes to the industrious Victorians and their ornate dwellings, all the way through to the modern day... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles