Church and Water Streets, Customs House

The Custom House, an original three-level structure, was erected after Vienna became the lower shore custom district in 1768. It stands on the edge of a slope leading down to the Nanticoke River upon which wharves and warehouses were built to accommodate international shipping and commerce. The Customs House was closed in about 1865 when the Customs Collector was moved to Crisfield.

At the rivers edge, behind and to the left of the Customs House, remains one such warehouse used for docking of schooners and in the late 1800’s for steamships. Today it is a private residence.

To the right of the Customs House can be seen remnants of the retaining wall made of stone from the ship’s ballast.

Touart (D 147): oldest surviving commercial building used during the 1850’s as a custom house. Was the officer of James K. Lewis.