United States Post Office and Courthouse

  • Also Known As: United States Courthouse

  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

Dignified Symbol of the Federal Presence in Augusta

The United States Post Office and Courthouse in Augusta is an excellent example of the Italian Renaissance Revival, a style well suited to the concept promoted by the Federal Government in the early 20th century that government buildings should be both monumental and beautiful. Designed and constructed under the auspices of the US Treasury Department's Supervising Architect Oscar Wenderoth, the building dates from 1916 and cost a total of $250,000. Wenderoth trained with Carrere and Hastings in New York, a firm nationally acclaimed for its designs in Classical Revival styles. President Taft appointed him Supervising Architect in 1912.

Sited on the edge of Augusta's downtown commercial district, the building was part of a plan to beautify the area. The imposing U-shaped building has exterior walls of cream statuary marble provided by the Blue Ridge Marble Company of Nelson, Georgia. It has three stories, a full basement, and a mezzanine over the rear-mailing platform. The original red mission tile roof remains with minor replacements. The Renaissance Revival style can be seen in the symmetrical elevations with bold cornices, arched windows, different window design at each floor, use of brackets and arches, a veranda extending along an entire facade, and the sculptural ornamentation. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1916/00/00 Oscar Wenderoth Supervising Architect United States Post Office and Courthouse in Augusta is built
1973/00/00 United States Post Office and Courthouse in Augusta is changed from a combined Post Office and Federal Courthouse and becomes a United States Courthouse only
1992/00/00 United States Post Office and Courthouse is completely rehabilitated between 1992 and 1996

Data »

Particulars for United States Post Office and Courthouse:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Sight Category Building
Historic Use Courthouse
Owner Federal
Historic Use Government Office
Criteria Historic Event
Area of Significance Politics-government
Historic Use Post Office
Architectural Style Renaissance Revival



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration: 21st January 2000

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name: United States Post Office and Courthouse
Registry Address: 500 E. Ford St.
Registry Number: 99001648
Resource Type: Building
Owner: Federal
Architect: Wenderoth, Oscar
Architectural Style: Renaissance
Area in Acres: 1
Contributing Buildings: 1
Other Certification: Date received-pending nomination
Certification: Listed in the National Register
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: Local
Area of Significance: Architecture, Politics-government
Applicable Criteria: Event, Architecture-Engineering
Significant Year: 1915, 1916
Historic Function: Government
Historic Sub-Function: Government office, Post office, Courthouse
Current Function: Government
Current Sub-Function: Government office Courthouse

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