Historic Site

Old State House

One of the oldest public buildings in the United States, the Old State House was the seat of government in Massachusetts leading up to the Revolution and after the consolidation of the States. Infamously, the Boston Massacre happened just beyond its steps.

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Boston, MA

A Revolutionary Beacon Among Skyscrapers

The Old State House, perhaps the most iconic colonial building in Boston, is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. Built in 1713, it originally housed the colonial government. The first floor served as a merchants' exchange, while the second floor was used by the colonial government and included a public viewing gallery, the first of its kind. The Royal Governor issued declarations from the second-story balcony, and the Supreme Judicial Court, located in the building, was where patriot James Otis argued against the Writs of Assistance in 1761. This passionate plea was seen by John Adams as the birth of American independence. The Boston Massacre occurred just outside its doors on March 5, 1770, an event that galvanized public support against British soldiers.

After the American army gained control of Boston in March 1776, the Old State House became the seat of government for the new state of Massachusetts. The Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony in July 1776, and symbols of Royal authority were torn down and burned. The state government used the building until 1798, after which it served various purposes, including as Boston City Hall. In 1881, the Bostonian Society saved it from demolition and restored it to its pre-Revolutionary War appearance. Today, the Old State House is a museum operated by Revolutionary Spaces and a key stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Despite being surrounded by modern skyscrapers and busy streets, it remains a significant symbol of Boston’s colonial history.

What's Nearby

Explore more of The Liberty Trail by visiting these nearby attractions.

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Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

Boston, MA 02111

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Munroe Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington, MA 02420

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The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park

Concord, MA 01742

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Stories from Old State House

The Blog
Reposted from battlefields.org Share to Google Classroom Added by 788 Educators The Boston Massacre marked the moment when political tensions between British soldiers and American colonists turned...
The Blog
Reposted from battlefields.org Share to Google Classroom Added by 208 Educators The Sons of Liberty was a secret underground society created due to the social and political fallout of the French and...
Trail Site

A monumental structure built in 1742, Faneuil Hall served as one of the most important sites of civic engagement in colonial Boston. Since, it has hosted the likes of revolutionary leaders and dissidents.