The building's original lion and unicorn statues were torn down and burned in 1776 following the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The floor of the Representative Hall was restored to look as it did when the Massachusetts House of Representatives met there in the 18th century.
A circular cobblestone marker located in front of the building identifies the approximate site of the Boston Massacre.
John Adams claimed that the seeds of American independence were sown in this building during James Otis's 1761 argument against the Writs of Assistance.
The building was nearly demolished in the late 19th century before being preserved by the Bostonian Society.
The current lion and unicorn statues are replicas, installed in 1882 to restore the building's colonial-era appearance.
The Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston, dating back to 1713. It served as the seat of the Massachusetts General Court and was the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. The balcony on the building's east side is where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of Boston. Inside, the museum exhibits artifacts related to the American Revolution, including tea salvaged from the Boston Tea Party. The building functioned as a City Hall during the 19th century after the state government relocated. It is currently managed by the non-profit organization Revolutionary Spaces. The architecture features a distinct brick exterior and a lion and unicorn statue representing the British monarchy. It is situated directly along the Freedom Trail, serving as a primary site for understanding colonial political history.
From the sidewalk on the east side of the building to capture the iconic balcony and the lion and unicorn statues.
Combine your visit with the nearby Old South Meeting House, as both are managed by Revolutionary Spaces.
Read the historical markers outside the building before entering to understand the spatial layout of the 1770 massacre.
Check the Revolutionary Spaces event calendar for specialized walking tours that start at the museum.
Do not mistake the modern State House with the golden dome on Beacon Hill for this historic colonial building.
