This temple-like building was erected as the U.S. Custom House. Its initial design was the work of Ithiel Town and Alexander Jackson Davis, one of the famous and talented partnerships in America in the early nineteenth century. The Greek Revival style temple form used here set the standard for commercial and government architecture on Wall Street in the pre-Civil War period.

This building stands on the site of the first City Hall, later called Federal Hall. George Washington took the first presidential oath of office on the site in 1789. A designated National Landmark, the building is maintained by the National Park Service and open to the public with exhibits.