Old State House
Boston
The Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston, built in 1713. For almost a century it was the heart of government, first of the colony and then of the state.
Bricks after the fire
An old town hall once stood here, destroyed by a fire in 1711. Two years later the town put up this brick building, much sturdier. The roof has a stepped tower and two statues of animals.
The government of the colony
On the ground floor, merchants met to do business. Upstairs were the governor's council chamber, the representatives' chamber and the court. The representatives' chamber had a gallery for the public, one of the first in the world.
From town hall to shops
In 1798 the government moved to the new building on the hill. Then the city hall moved in here, from 1830 to 1841. In those years the architect Isaiah Rogers redid the interior. Later the building was rented out to shops and offices.
Saved by its citizens
The building was covered in signs and was at risk of being torn down. In 1879 a group of citizens founded an association, and in 1881 it saved the building. Since then it has been carefully looked after, surrounded by ever taller skyscrapers.
