8. The Front of the Customs House Does Not Face the Port
Unlike most Custom Houses which would logically face the port where incoming ships would arrive at, the Alexander Hamilton Custom House backs it. The front of the building should have been on Bridge Street facing where the port would have been at Pearl Street and the Battery. However, Gilbert wanted those coming into New York to be impressed before they even entered his building. By putting the entrance of the Custom House on the Bowling Green side, those who needed to enter would see Broadway and the hustle and bustle of New York City.
