Massachusetts State House

Boston
MA

Portrait by Artist to Come

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Built in 1798, on a cow pasture once owned by John Hancock, this state seat of government replaced the Old State House. It is a magnificent Federalist structure, designed by Charles Bullfinch, with a distinctive golden dome, which was originally wood, then copper — provided by Paul Revere. It was covered with 23 karat gold leaf for the first time in 1874.

The daily business of governing Massachusetts, by the governor, senators, and representatives, continues at the State House today. Tours are available.

Part of the Freedom Trail™.

Associated People

John Adams was inaugurated as second president on March 4, 1797. Washington had preceded him to the hall and sat on the dais with Jefferson the Vice-President-elect, as Adams spoke. When the new President finished and left, Washington motioned to Jefferson to go next. The two Virginians had known each other since 1769, when Washington had been thirty-seven years old and Jefferson only twenty-six. From long habit and lingering respect, Jefferson now held back. But Washington gestured again, in a manner not to be ignored. The younger man was now Vice-President and must go first.

Richard Brookhiser
Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington (1996)