Sacred Cod of Massachusetts

The sculpture is a carved pine cod roughly 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) long that hangs from the ceiling of the House chamber. You see it above the heads of lawmakers when you enter the room, where it has held its place for more than two centuries.

A Boston merchant named John Rowe donated this piece to the legislature in 1784 to recall the importance of fishing to the young nation. Since then it has accompanied lawmakers through their debates and has been removed from its usual place only a few times.

This wooden fish recalls the early fishing industry of the region, which brought trade and wealth to the harbor city. Fishermen and merchants along the coast earned their living with this animal, which still hangs in the chamber today and recalls those times.

You can see it during a guided tour of the statehouse, which usually takes place on weekdays. The room is in the upper part of the building on Beacon Hill, and you should check opening times in advance.

Harvard students removed the animal in 1933 and hid it for two days, causing unrest in the city. Police searched for it, and newspapers reported on the disappearance until the students brought it back.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1784

Length: 1.5 m

Made from material: pine

GPS coordinates: 42.35820,-71.06370

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25