Norton, VT LPOE historical transformation

1956 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE with original canopy

Modernization of the Norton, VT Land Port of Entry

Funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA, the U.S. General Services Administration is planning to modernize the Land Port of Entry in Norton, VT.

The Norton LPOE modernization will improve the efficiency of inspections, traffic flow, and security, facilitating trade and travel in the region in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mission. The Norton LPOE modernization project is underway and is estimated to be complete by the end of 2028.

Historic context

The U.S. Border Inspection Station in Norton, VT, was built to address the needs identified in the 1920s for ports of entry into the United States due to increasing automobile traffic, concerns about cross-border smuggling, and changes in immigration policy.

Construction began in 1933 using standardized plans drawn up by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Supervising Architect.

Learn more about the cultural, environmental, and political context of this early border station within the National Register Nomination. Here, you can find sections that discuss in detail the 1928 Benner and Hughes Report on the need for a system of “Customs-Immigration Inspection Buildings,” as well as location and setting, exterior, interior, alterations, and significance for the Norton, VT, structure.

Current status

Mission, logistical, and technological changes over the decades have led to alterations of many inspection stations, now known as LPOEs. The GSA owns and manages the buildings for CBP.

After thorough study, the best site for a modern LPOE facility will require demolition of the original border station. In cooperation with the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation (VDHP) and CBP, GSA has developed, and will sponsor, this and similar pages for National Register-listed LPOEs impacted by repair, alteration, modernization, and expansion projects under the 2021 IIJA.

Photo gallery

GSA Photo Galleries: Norton photo gallery

Aerial view of Norton border crossing with the building on the right

Circa 1930s photo of the VT-Norton border crossing with first U.S. Customs building at right, looking northeast across VT RT 147 toward border.

a photo of the original border station with a 1930s vehicle parked out front and three men standing in front of the building

1930s photo of the first VT-Norton U.S. Customs border crossing building

black and white photo of the old port with a small car driving through

1931 photo prior to 1933 VT-Norton LPOE construction looking southwest with railroad bridge at right, railroad overpass of Nelson Road at center, and previously demolished railroad station at upper left.

black and white photo of the road with railroad overpass

1931 photo prior to 1933 VT-Norton LPOE construction looking southwest with railroad overpass of Nelson Road at right and previously demolished railroad station at upper left

1934 site plan for the norton border station

1934 site plan for VT-Norton main LPOE and residences

site plans for the basement, first and second floor of the inspection station

1934 floor plans of VT-Norton main LPOE building

Floor plan showcasing previously demolished residences

1934 floor plans of VT-Norton previously demolished residences

black and white photo with small houses in the background with an open field in front

1931 photo during construction of the 1933 VT-Norton LPOE residences and main building looking across Nelson Road with VT RT147 toward border at upper corner.

black and white photo of houses in the background from 1931

1931 photo during construction of the 1933 VT-Norton LPOE main building looking west with Nelson Rd bridge at left, residences at center, and railroad bridge at right

black and white photo with 1931 residences in the background with an empty field in front of them

1931 photo during construction of the 1933 VT-Norton LPOE main building and previously demolished residences looking across Nelson Road with VT RT147 toward border at upper center.

black and white photo of older building in the background that are now demolished

1931 photo during construction of the 1933 VT-Norton LPOE main building and previously demolished residences looking east.

black and white photo of older houses in the background with cars parked in front of them

1931 photo during construction of the 1933 VT-Norton main LPOE and previously demolished residences at left.

1956 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE main building with original canopy

1956 photo of the lpoe showcasing previously demolished residences in the background

1956 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE with previously demolished residences

1981 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE main east elevation with modern canopy

1981 photo of the 1933 VT-Norton LPOE east elevation with modern canopy

1981 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE rear west elevation

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE main east elevation with modern canopy added in 1974

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE side south elevation with modern canopy added in 1974

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE rear west elevation

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE side north elevation

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE original building plaque at north end of east elevation

2020 photo of the VT-Norton LPOE 1933 building plaque at north end of east elevation

2020 photo of the international border marker on east side of State Road 147 roadway

2020 photo of the international border marker on east side of State Route 147 roadway

2020 photo of granite memorial on international border celebrating peace and friendship 1937

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