The United States Custom House on East Bay is one of the most imposing buildings in Charleston. Construction began in 1849, but was not completed until 1879 -- 30 years later! The reason it took so long is that the Civil War interrupted the work, and then it took another 12 years to finish after it was reauthorized by Congress in 1867.

Construction Interrupted

The United States Custom House on East Bay is one of the most imposing buildings in Charleston. Construction began in 1849, but was not completed until 1879 — 30 years later! The reason it took so long is that the Civil War interrupted the work, and then it took another 12 years to finish after it was reauthorized by Congress in 1867.