Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House was constructed in the early 20th century. This beaux-arts masterpiece was built to house New York’s United States Custom Service to assess and collect duties and taxes on imported goods in one of the nation’s most prosperous ports.
The Four Continents Statues at the building’s entrance represent Asia, America, Europe, and Africa and are prime examples of the City Beautiful movement and national pride during the early 20th century. The National Historic Landmark currently houses the National Archives at New York City, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York among other Federal agencies.
