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19th Century Florida

The Spanish colonial period ended in 1821 when, by treaty, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. Government House was repaired and used as a court house for the next few years. In 1833-34 the U.S. Government rebuilt the structure, following plans by architect Robert Mills. The building was to be a custom house, courthouse, post office, and serve other federal functions. During the Civil War, Union troops occupied the building from 1862 to 1865. The building underwent major remodeling in 1873, following plans by architect William M. Kimball, to serve as the post office and custom house.