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United States Post Office and Customshouse

Introduction

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The United States Post Office and Customhouse has remained an important landmark in Gulfport since its construction in 1910. It is well preserved and one of the best examples of Second Renaissance Revival architecture in the state. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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The United States Post Office and Customshouse was built in 1910. It is one of the best examples of Second Renaissance Revival architecture in Mississippi.

Sky, Plant, Window, Tree

Backstory and Context

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The building was designed by the Treasury Department, which at the time was led by Supervising Architect James Knox Taylor (1857-1929), who oversaw the construction of numerous federal buildings around the country. The Post Office features many of the typical elements of the Second Renaissance Revival style, which is also known as the Italian Renaissance style. The most notable feature is the five bay loggia (a covered walkway) with arches supported by Doric columns. Other features include an iron-balustraded balcony supported by decorative brackets, a red-tile roof, and a paneled frieze under the cornice. An addition in the rear was built in 1963.

Sources

Odom, Ila Ree. "United States Post Office and Customhouse." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. March 19, 1984. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/3fb92067-e239-48cc-896f-49d6086a74b4.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GulfportPostOffice%26CustomsHouse.jpg

Additional Information