United States Custom House (New York, N.Y.)

The New York Custom House was established in 1799 by the United States government to regulate New York port and harbor activities.

Custom houses raised revenues and controlled shipping, placed duties on imports, prevented smuggling and enforced the laws regulating exports and imports. Fifteen years later the New York Custom House was destroyed by fire and the Custom House was moved to Federal Hall. During the years 1832-1842, a new custom house was built on William and Pine Streets. In 1862 the New York Custom House moved to another location and the building in which it had previously resided became the Sub-Treasury.

From the description of New York Custom House Records, 1792-1896, bulk (1802-1854). (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 122346182