1941 Custom House New Orleans Louisiana

This 1941 postcard showcases the magnificent New Orleans Custom House, one of the oldest federal buildings in the American South. Towering and austere, this granite structure is more than just an architectural landmark—it’s a layered piece of Louisiana history. The very ground it occupies was once part of Fort San Luis, a Spanish stronghold constructed in 1794 under the watchful eye of El Baron de Carondelet. That early military post helped guard the bustling colonial port that would one day become one of America's most vibrant cities.

The Custom House’s cornerstone was laid in 1849, and its construction stretched across decades, enduring war, reconstruction, and political upheaval. It was finally completed as a testament to classical grandeur and national ambition. The building’s interior marble hall is a marvel in itself—measuring 95 by 125 feet and soaring 54 feet high, it’s clad in Italian marble that reportedly cost a staggering $310,000, an extravagant sum at the time.

This postcard would look great framed, make a wonderful hostess gift, or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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