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.

The Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02109

Site of the Boston massacre

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Equestrian statue of George Washington on the Boston Common

Boston, MA 02111

British assemble to march on Lexington & Concord

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Home of Paul Revere

Boston, MA 02113

Home of Paul and Rachel Revere

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Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA 02113

One if by land, two if by sea

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American soldiers overlook Boston from Dorchester Heights

Boston, MA 02127

Colonists besiege the British garrison in Boston

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Battle of Bunker Hill depicted by Don Troiani

Charlestown, MA 02129

Militia are narrowly defeated by British forces

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Exterior of the Jason Russell House

Arlington, MA 02476

Some of the bloodiest fighting of Lexington & Concord

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Munroe Tavern in Lexington, Massachusetts

Lexington, MA 02420

Percy's HQ prior to Lexington & Concord

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17.477478035606

Lexington, MA 02420

Paul Revere warns Hancock & Adams to flee

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21.55381937114

Lincoln, MA 01773

Paul Revere's Midnight Ride capture site

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Exterior of Meriams Corner

Concord, MA 01742

Site of a militia ambush during Lexington & Concord

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The North Bridge at Minuteman National Park

Concord, MA 01742

Site of the first shots at Lexington & Concord

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Stories from Old State House

The Blog
Reposted from battlefields.org Share to Google Classroom Added by 791 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 210 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.