Old State House - Boston, Massachusetts

Visit Boston's Old State House and Soak up History. The Old State House is located at the intersection of Washington Street and State Street in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest standing public building in the city, built in 1713. This beautiful brick building was the place where the first legislature in the Americas conducted business. The building is one of the most popular sites to visit along the Freedom Trail.

The original building served several different purposes. The first floor held a Merchant's Exchange, and there were storehouses in the basement. On the eastern side of the second floor was the council chamber of the Royal Governor; the west side held the chambers of the Suffolk County Courts and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The chambers of the Massachusetts Assembly were in the central part.

A great number of famous people from America's colonial past were part of the building's history. John Adams, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams helped shape the future of the country there, and in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed to the people of Boston from the balcony. After the Revolution, the building became the first statehouse for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Today, the Old State House serves as a museum housing a number of different exhibits. It is a great stop on anyone's trip to Boston.

Hands-On History

This interactive exhibit encourages people of all ages to learn about the history of the building, as well as how it changed over the years. You can use foam bricks to reconstruct the walls of the building, find some hidden doors, and meet Otis the Old State House mouse. He is sure to be a treat for the young ones who are just starting to learn about and be interested by history.

Boston Massacre Multimedia Presentation

You can learn all about the Boston Massacre, the events leading up to it, and even the aftermath. The Boston Massacre was when a group of British soldiers fired into a taunting crowd of colonists and killed five men.

In addition, you will also be able to see a variety of different paintings, photos, and artifacts from the building's long and storied history. It is incredible to stand on the very site where so much history took place, and where the forefathers of America helped to decide the future of the colonies.
 

The Old State House is a place that you can't miss while in Boston. The exhibits, architects, and history are something that everyone can appreciate. There are several hotel options in the Boston area and HotelsCombined.com provides excellent rates.

Old State House
Corner of State and Washington sts.
Boston, MA 02109
Phone:6177201713×21