Old State House

Located in the center of downtown Boston, the Old State House is an old colonial building. It’s also one of the stops on Freedom Trail. Dating back to 1713, it has amazing architecture and served as a hub for political, and economic discussions as well as legal discourse. Boston serves as the capital of Massachusetts and is also the center of state governments. The Old State House and Boston's status as the capital of Massachusetts are closely linked to the city’s historical development. 

 

Back in the day, Writs of Assistance were pieces of documents that allowed British officials to search and seize without any proper warrants. James Otis, a lawyer and a patriot made an argument against the Writs of Assistance in 1761 in this building. He, among other Bostonians, considered these documents unlawful and in violation of their rights as citizens. At that time, the argument led to nothing and the court upheld the law. But it was the turning point and basically laid the foundation for the American Revolution according to John Adams. He also described it as the moment when “child independence was born.”

 

The State House served as the seat of colonial government for Massachusetts and after the revolution, one of the earliest seats for the commonwealth as well. Now, it serves as a history museum where you can find lots of art, artifacts, and exhibitions. It is also one of the oldest surviving public buildings in Boston. 

 

 

What to Know

You can learn about Boston’s history in the Old State House. It is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States—and also an important site in the American Revolution. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read from its balcony and all of Boston gathered for it. When you enter the building, you will find that it has historic rooms with several exhibits, arts, and artifacts. You can also find John Hancock’s red velvet coat and tea from the Boston Tea Party. In addition to that, there are arms and ammunition from Revolutionary War battles. The first floor is dedicated to showing exhibitions, such as the role of Boston during the American Revolution. 

 

You can see the Governor's chair and also sit on it. It’s in the King's Council Chamber and belongs to the Royal Governor of Massachusetts. He was the most powerful person in Colonial America. If you want to learn about the detailed history of the Old State House, it’s best to get a guided tour where you can learn everything. 

 

When you’re done exploring, there is a gift shop where you can find unique items and bring a souvenir with you. After the museum closes to the public, the Old State House is open for weddings and usually operates from 5 or 6 pm onwards. 

 

How to Get There

The Old State House is in downtown Boston, so if you’re driving your car, then follow signs to the Government Center, Faneuil Hall, and the Financial District. Once you get there, you can find plenty of parking lots and garages nearby. 

 

There is another option of taking Boston’s subway that will take you to the State Street station previously known as King Street.

The best way to get there is by booking a Boston Tour which features this attraction as well as other hotspots of the city in the tour package! 

 

Best Time to Visit 

You can visit the Old State House anytime you wish and what you want to experience. But Autumn is typically a great time to visit this place because of the beautiful tree foliage and crisp weather. In addition to this historic landmark, you can explore other hidden gems of Boston too.

 

The Old State House is open 24/7 from 10 am to 5 pm. There are guided tours available every other 30 minutes. Also, if you’re looking for something more uplifting, you should visit it on the 4th of July. Because it reads the Declaration of Independence from its balcony and it is an amazing experience. If you want more information, you can check out their Revolutionary Spaces website. 

 

Features and Highlights 

- A key location in the American Revolution and the center of Colonial Government.

- The site of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

- The site for the Boston Massacre in 1770.

- James Otis made an argument against the Writs of Assistance in the Old State House. 

- A symmetrical and ornamented brick building that is uniquely beautiful.

- Features a gilded pinecone at the very top of the building that represents the abundant forests that once covered Massachusetts. 

- Features a multi-part steeple with clear glass windows. 

- Served as a meeting place for local and economic news and also a hub for political and legal discourse. 

- Various other historic landmarks nearby that you can explore including the Faneuil Hall.