Built in 1818, the U.S.Custom House is typical of the Federal period style of building. In the beginning of the 19th century, between 8-12% of the entire revenue of the young United States was collected in this building. Nathaniel Hawthorne, the celebrated American author, worked for two years in the building, and wrote "The Scarlet Letter" during that time. The building is preserved as part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.