At a cost of more than $36,000, this structure was started in May, 1888. Work continued for more than 18 months. The building contractor was James H. Costar of Baltimore, Maryland, and the architect was Will A. Ferret, the Supervising Architect of the Treasury. Sheriff John M. Vines, prominent historically in the renowned Diamond Bessie murder trial was one of the superintendents of construction. After the federal government discontinued use of the building as a post office and federal court, it was purchased by the Jefferson Historical Society in January, 1965.