Downtown in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Old State House

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009

1. The Old State House Marker

Inscription. The Old State House, Boston’s oldest public building, was built in 1713 as the seat of British colonial government. Here the Royal Governor and the Massachusetts Assembly debated the Stamp Acts and the Writs of Assistance. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from the east balcony on July 18, 1776.

The building served as the State House until 1798, and was also Boston’s City Hall from 1830 to 1841.

Erected by The Boston Landmarks Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1869.

Location. 42° 21.527′ N, 71° 3.438′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of State Street and Congress Street, on the right when traveling west on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Boston MA 02108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Old State House (here, next to this marker); The Freedom Trail (a few steps from this marker); The Boston Massacre (a few steps from this

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marker); Site of the First Meeting House in Boston Built A.D. 1632 (a few steps from this marker); The Norman B. Leventhal Walk to the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Robert Keayne (within shouting distance of this marker); New England Courant (within shouting distance of this marker); Magoun Counting-House Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.

Also see . . .
1. Old State House. Details of the Freedom Trail from the City of Boston website. (Submitted on April 19, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. Wikipedia entry for the Boston Massacre. (Submitted on April 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. A Behind-the-Scenes Look At Paul Revere's Most Famous Engraving. (Submitted on April 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Boston Massacre

Marker on Boston's Old State House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009

2. Marker on Boston's Old State House

The Old State House is one of the sites along the route of Boston's Freedom Trail.

The Old State House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009

3. The Old State House

The balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people of Boston can be seen in this photo.

Lion and the Unicorn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009

4. Lion and the Unicorn

These symbols of England on the Old State House were actually torn down and burned by Patriots at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Boston Massacre Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 14, 2009

5. Boston Massacre Site

This circle of cobblestones, located on a small traffic island in front of the Old State House, marks the site of the Boston Massacre. It is the only indication of the event.

Paul Revere's Engraving of the Boston Massacre image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

6. Paul Revere's Engraving of the Boston Massacre

which occurred in front of the Old State House, March 5, 1770.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,676 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on April 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 19, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on April 19, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.