37 N. Second St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-994-5158
Built between 1834 and 1836, this white granite Greek revival building continues to serve its original mission. It is the oldest continuously operating Custom House in the nation. Where whaling masters registered their ships and cargo more than a hundred years ago, today's commercial fishing and cargo ships continue to log duties and tarrifs.
The building is still home to the New Bedford office of the U.S. Customs Service as well as offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Park Service. The first Post Office in New Bedford was originally located here.
The front of the building features four large granite columns and classic portico. It was designed by Robert Mills, the architect of the Washington Monument. The contruction was authorized in 1832 by an Act of Congress and cost $31,740, including the land.
The U.S. Customs Service was the United States' first revenue generating agency for the country. It was established by Congress shortly after the Revolutionary War to provide income and repay debt.
The Custom House is located within The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
