The first federal project in the South: Century Station

Once dubbed the Federal Building, Century Station stands proudly on Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. Construction of the building began in 1874 and was completed in 1878, making it the first Federal Government project in the South following the Civil War. Designed by Alfred B. Mullett in the Second Empire style, Century Station is more than just a Raleigh Historic Landmark; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After completion, local offices of federal agencies, such as the post office, were located on the first floor. The United States District Court was located on the second floor and at the time was considered the best fitted courtroom in North Carolina. In 1913, the building was doubled in size to accommodate city growth, and in 1939, it was expanded again with the same exterior design applied to the new addition.

Federal Government agencies grew rapidly after World War II, and a new Federal Building was constructed downtown in 1970 to consolidate agencies. In 1978, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening, the original Federal Building was renovated and renamed Century Station. Today, this magnificent edifice continues its legacy as a bustling downtown Raleigh post office and plays host to the United States Bankruptcy Court.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons