Old State House

Old State House. The Old State House is a historic building located at the intersection of Washington and State streets in Boston, Massachusetts. Constructed in 1713, it served as the seat of the colonial Massachusetts government and later the state legislature until 1798. It is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and a major site associated with the American Revolution, most notably the Boston Massacre which occurred just outside its doors.

History

The site of the Old State House was originally occupied by the first Boston Town House, constructed in 1657 and destroyed by fire in 1711. The current building was completed in 1713 to house the government of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, containing chambers for the Governor's Council and the elected Massachusetts House of Representatives. Key events of the revolutionary period unfolded here, including James Otis Jr.'s 1761 argument against the Writs of Assistance and the official reading of the Declaration of Independence from its east balcony in July 1776. After the Revolution, it served as the state capitol until the new Massachusetts State House was completed on Beacon Hill. In the 19th century, it was used for commercial purposes, housing businesses like the Historical Society and the Boston Post Office. Preservation efforts, led by the Bostonian Society in the 1880s, saved it from demolition, and it opened as a museum in 1882.

Architecture

The Old State House is a prime example of early American Georgian architecture, characterized by symmetry, classical proportions, and ornate detail. Its design is attributed to master mason Robert Twelves. The brick building features a central pedimented pavilion on its east and west facades, adorned with symbolic sculptures including a lion and unicorn representing British royal authority. Notable interior spaces include the spacious second-floor Council Chamber, with its elaborate fireplace and woodwork, and the first-floor Merchants Exchange. The building's distinctive 180-foot wooden spire, rebuilt after a 1830 fire, and its iconic clock, a gift from Simon Willard, are prominent features of the Boston skyline. The structure has undergone several major restorations, including a significant project in the 1880s under architect George A. Clough to return it to its 18th-century appearance.

Significance

The Old State House holds immense historical significance as the symbolic heart of colonial political power and the birthplace of revolutionary fervor in Massachusetts. It was the stage for foundational debates over liberty and self-government that precipitated the American Revolution. The Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770, occurred directly in front of the building, an event powerfully exploited by patriots like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere through prints and propaganda. Its balcony was the site where the Declaration of Independence was first proclaimed to the citizens of Boston, formally breaking ties with Great Britain. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and part of the Boston National Historical Park, it is a key stop on the Freedom Trail and is managed by Revolutionary Spaces.

Museum and exhibits

Operated by Revolutionary Spaces, which also oversees the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House functions as a museum and historic site. Permanent exhibitions include "**Revolutionary Boston**," which uses artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia to explore the city's role in the independence movement. Key artifacts on display are a vial of tea from the Boston Tea Party, period firearms, and the original lion and unicorn statues that were torn down in 1776. The museum also features the preserved Council Chamber and offers guided tours that discuss the building's architecture and the events of the Boston Massacre. Special programs, lectures, and reenactments are regularly held, often in partnership with institutions like the Massachusetts Historical Society.

In popular culture

The Old State House has been featured in numerous films, television series, and other media due to its iconic status and well-preserved colonial appearance. It appears in the 2007 television miniseries John Adams, depicting key revolutionary scenes. The building and its balcony are also seen in films such as The Equalizer and Knight and Day. It serves as a recognizable backdrop in the video game Assassin's Creed III, which is set during the American Revolution. Furthermore, its image is frequently used in historical documentaries by networks like the History Channel and PBS, and it is a common subject for artists and photographers capturing the essence of revolutionary Boston.

Category:National Historic Landmarks in Boston Category:Museums in Boston Category:Government buildings completed in 1713