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| On September 27, 1911, the U.S. Treasury Department began construction of a new post office and federal court house in Washington, N.C. Mr. John Taylor was supervising architect and Mr. Hugh E. White was construction superintendent. The building was planned to house the U.S. Post Office, Federal Court, U.S. District Attorneys, Clerk of Federal Court, U.S. Marshall, Posts Collector (U.S. customs), and American Red Cross. Over the years other agencies have had offices in the building. The original building (pictured here) was completed for a cost of $115,953.67. It was occupied in July 1913. A parade, led by the Washington Light Infantry and Naval Reserve, and attendance by a large crowd highlighted the dedication festivities. The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury presented the building to the people. Mayor F. C. Kugler was Master of Ceremonies. Congressman John H. Small introduced the speaker, The Honorable Bryan R. Newton. The Honorable Hallet S. Ward accepted the building for the people of Washington. The National Society of The Daughters of The American Revolution, Washington Chapter, proposed the installation of a plaque to commemorate the "first post office named Washington in the U.S., established A.D. 1790 in Washington, Beaufort County, N.C." The plaque remains affixed in the portico. In 1937 an addition was constructed on the northern side of the building. It covers the entire width of the building and is approximately 20 feet deep. Some of the original lighting has been changed, and air conditioning has been added. Except for some other improvements, the building remains as it was constructed. The use of the building has changed over the years. The Federal Court held its last session in November 1976. The Post Offices constructed a new facility at Gladden and Second Streets and moved in 1980. The City of Washington acquired this building October 1, 1980. It is was renovated to house the Washington City Council and administrative staff. The third floor was leased to other governmental agencies. The cost of the renovation was $378,281. The character of the building was retained, yet some items were constructed to comply with building codes, to be more efficient, and to provide better comfort. Today this building serves as the Municipal Building, a center of government, for the City of Washington. It should serve the City for many years. |