United States Custom House (New York City)

The Alexander Hamilton United States Custom House stands at the foot of Broadway, intentionally positioned to face the historic Bowling Green park rather than the harbor. This orientation was an unusual choice for a building dedicated to maritime trade, as the architect, Cass Gilbert, wanted the structure to serve as a grand, welcoming anchor to the citys oldest public space. Before this building opened in nineteen zero seven, the site had long been the center of local power, serving as the location for the colonial Fort Amsterdam and later the Government House. Today, its exterior is guarded by four monumental limestone statues representing America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, each carved by Daniel Chester French, the same artist who created the seated Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.