United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House

Introduction

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Erected in 1907, the historic United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House building remains an important landmark in Laredo. It is significant for its architecture and association with the federal government, which continues to use the building as a post office. An office of the U.S. Marshal Service is also housed in the building. In terms of design, the building is a fine example of Classical Revival architecture. The south facade features a grand main entrance with a ground-level arcade formed by arches, a large portico supported by Doric columns, and small balconets on some of the second floor windows. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 18, 2001.

Images

The United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House was built in 1907. The post office and U.S. Marshal service occupy the building today.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The United States Post Office, Court House and Custom House was the second such building constructed in Laredo. Where the first one was located is unknown but mail service began in 1849, a year after the city officially became part of the U.S. when Mexico and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. In the coming years, Laredo, given its proximity to Mexico, became an important economic center and as a result, its importance increased as did the calls for additional government services.

The Office of the Supervising Architect for the Treasury, which was led by James Knox Taylor, designed the the building (along with many other federal buildings around the country between 1897-1912). Construction began in early 1906 and was completed the next year. The new building brought relief to postal employees who worked in the first post office, which was, apparently, hot and a poorly lit. The new facility was a success, as mail volume and revenues increased, which reflected the city's growing status. The customs house moved to another location in 1962. Court functions, it appears, remained at least until the early 2000s.

Sources

Clow, Victoria Green & Gilbert, Terri. "United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 18, 2001. https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/40973957/content/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_TX/01000516.pdf.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Laredo_Post_Office_and_Courthouse,_Laredo,_Texas.jpg

Additional Information

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House