East Bay Street, United States Custom House

Description:

Photograph showing the damage from the earthquake that occurred on August 31, 1886 to the Custom House located at the corner of East Bay and Market Streets. A lone man stands in front. Handwritten on the bottom reads, "Charleston Earthquake scene - United States Custom House." Caption on reverse reads, "No. 9 Custom House" The 1886 Charleston City Directory lists the Custom House at the corner of East Bay Street and south east corner of Market Street.

George LaGrange Cook was a well-known photographer in Charleston who photographed the destruction of the 1886 earthquake soon after it happened, producing a series of images titled "Cook's Earthquake Views of Charleston and Vicinity" that could be purchased as souvenirs.

• Title: East Bay Street, United States Custom House
• Photographer: Cook, George LaGrange, 1849-1919
• Date: 1886

---

• Collection: Photograph Collection
• Object Name: Earthquake of 1886
• Object Id: MK 8080
• Address: 122 East Bay Street

---

• Search Terms
  • Customs houses
  • Destruction of property
  • Earthquakes