Old State House, History museum in Boston, United States.
Description
The Old State House stands at the corner of Washington and State Streets with red brick walls topped by a golden pineapple ornament. The roof rises over three stories and is framed by a white wooden balcony on its eastern side that defines the structure's appearance.
History
Construction began in 1713 and it served as the administrative center for Massachusetts colonial government through the late 1700s. After the Revolution, it was repurposed as a history museum to preserve and share stories from the area's past with visitors.
Culture
The building was originally called the Town House and functioned as a gathering place for public meetings and court proceedings. From its balcony, the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud in Boston in 1776, making it a symbol of civic engagement for residents.
Practical
The site sits along the Freedom Trail and connects easily to nearby attractions through walkable street intersections in the downtown area. Interior rooms are quite narrow, so wheelchairs and other mobility aids may face some challenges when navigating the spaces.
Did you know?
The golden pineapple atop the roof was originally a trade symbol of hospitality brought back by ship captains from distant voyages. During summer evenings, the spot becomes an early gathering point for Fourth of July parade festivities that wind through downtown streets.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Boston).
Freedom Trail
146 m
Faneuil Hall
168 m
Boston City Hall
174 m
Old Corner Bookstore
181 m
Old City Hall
166 m
Boston National Historical Park
165 mBoston Irish Famine Memorial
186 m
Exchange Place
107 m
60 State Street
88 m
Ames Building
31 m
One Boston Place
78 mBoston Museum
172 mStatue of Bill Russell
95 m
28 State Street
58 m
John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse
183 m
Cornhill
105 m
Statue of Josiah Quincy III
180 m
A Once and Future Shoreline
172 m
Irish Famine Memorial
157 mExchange Coffee House, Boston
80 mStatue of Kevin White
177 m
Winthrop Building
149 m
Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block
174 m
Second Brazer Building
54 m
Codman Building
145 m
Merchants Exchange
101 m
One Devonshire Place
87 mCinema X Twin Theatre
153 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes