This current incarnation of the Massachusetts State House (stop number two on the Boston Freedom Trail) was built in 1798 as a replacement for the Old State House located on Washington Street. It was built on land formerly owned by John Hancock’s uncle, Thomas Hancock. His mansion stood on this site until the middle of the Civil War in 1863. A plaque recognizing the former Hancock is situated along the far west end of the fence in front of the State House.
The State House is the state capitol and home of the Massachusetts government and was once dubbed by Oliver Wendell Holmes as “The Hub of the Universe.” To Bostonians, it actually is, as the dome peak is from where all distances to Boston are measured.
The structure was designed by famed architect Charles Bulfinch with the inspiration of London’s Somerset House. For his efforts, Bulfinch received a paltry commission of $1,400. Low commissions such as this and building failures such as in Boston’s South End led him to have financial troubles for which he spent a month in debtor’s prison The work of Charles may be seen through Boston’s Beacon Hill, however, he is probably best known for his design of the US Capitol in Washington D.C. His commission for this work was $2,500.
The cornerstone of the State House was laid by the fourth governor of Massachusetts, Samuel Adams, on July 4, 1795. Bulfinch’s design is in a brick Federal style with a 2-story portico and Corinthian pillars. Notable attributes of the Federal style include a high degree of symmetry amongst the left and right sides of the building. Marble wings were a later addition to Bulfinch’s original design in 1914 and 1917.
The large staircase in front of the building, while it appears to be the main entrance, is actually seldom used. These doors may only be used in one of two occasions:
- When the President of the United States arrives (or a foreign chief of state visits)
- When the Massachusetts Governor leaves offices on the final day of his term
- The staircase was formerly used when regiments returned from their battle with flags, however, as this practice is no longer in effect (all flags go to Washington D.C. Now) it has not occurred since the Vietnam War.
Obviously the main attracting feature of the Massachusetts State House is the large golden dome atop it. The original dome was originally made of wood, but after it leaked Paul Revere covered it in copper in 1802. This copper dome was later upgraded to 23.5 carrot gold leaf in 1874. Each gold sheath is no thicker than a piece of paper. The gold sheaths were most recently replaced in 1997 at a cost of more than $300,000. These sheaths would now be valued at over $1 million. The golden dome has maintained its color with one lone exception—during World War II it was painted black in case of an aerial attack.
While walking by the State House you may notice a handful of portrait statues in the yard. Unfortunately, since 9/11 these statues are no longer accessible to the public, however, these stats include:
- General Joseph Hooker – This equestrian statue is actually located outside the main entrance (Hooker Entrance). The hooker was a Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War and is ironically best known for being defeated by Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
- Anne Hutchinson (West Wing) – A statue by Cyrus E. Dallin who also created the famous equestrian statue of Paul Revere in Boston’s North End. Hutchinson was banished by the Puritans in 1638 for her differing religious views and push for religious freedom.
- Mary Dyer (East Wing) – Mary was a Quaker who was also banished by the Puritans for her religious view. She was banished 3 times actually and eventually hung.
- John F Kennedy (West Wing). An 8 foot 2 inch statue dedicated to the former president in 1990 on what would have been his 73rd birthday.
- Website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trsgen/genidx.htm
- Address: 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA
- Cost: Free. Tours are offered 10am-4pm Mon-Fri and typically last 30-45 minutes. Note: This is one of the best tours in Boston and is highly recommended!
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