History with ‘Hud’: How Wilmington’s Custom House has evolved into a popular tourist spot
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of Wilmington’s most recognizable downtown buildings has quite the past. The sandstone Custom House along Water Street, right along the Cape Fear River, is a picturesque spot for tourists today. But it’s had its share of changes over the years.
In the early 1800s, Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina and a leading port and shipping region for tar and turpentine. As a result, the government purchased land along the Cape Fear River for a custom house to collect duties for ships coming or going from the port.
The original building burned down in 1840, and a second custom house, along with a post office and courthouse, were constructed on the site. The Greek Revival style building opened in 1845. It served the city until the early twentieth century, when it was deemed no longer adequate and a new building was planned.
Congress set aside funds between 1908 and 1910 to buy adjacent properties and construct the new structure. The old custom house and surrounding buildings were demolished in 1915, with the cornerstone for the new building being laid in December of 1916. But material shortages during World War One caused delays. The building wasn’t opened until 1919, at a cost of $500,000.
Decades later, the customs officials moved their offices to the North Carolina State Port, south of the city, in the 1960s. But the building remained an important location, with federal offices and courtrooms sticking around.
The frequented buidling was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, with it being named for Congressman Alton Lennon in 1976, who was born in Wilmington.
Fellow North Carolinian Andy Griffith came to town in the early 1990s, filming some exterior scenes for the final three seasons of his hit show ‘Matlock’ outside of the custom house.
People continued to flock to the historical site in the years to follow, with the building being a popular backdrop for pictures. But all that came to a haulth in 2018 when Hurricane Florence rolled through.
The slow moving storm damaged the building, leading to Water Street and access to the popular fountain being blocked off. The construction lasted years, only recently being completed and fully reopened.
Although most people visit the custom house to enjoy the site and take in the view across the Cape Fear River, fewer know just how deep the roots of the building run in Wilmington’s history.
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (‘Hud’) has always had two major loves – weather and history. While you can watch him talk about weather each morning on WWAY, he looks forward to bringing you a little piece of history each Thursday on WWAY’s website.
To read other History with ‘Hud’ segments, click HERE.
