Richmond, Va. Custom House (Standing Among The Ruins - U.S. Civil War) The Richmond, Virginia Custom House is a historic building that was constructed between 1848 and 1852. During the American Civil War, this architectural structure, which served as a customs facility, was damaged. Despite the war-related destruction, remnants of the Custom House still stand today, serving as a poignant reminder of the conflict's impact on the city of Richmond. The ruins provide a unique insight into the architectural styles and historical significance of the pre-Civil War era in the United States.