Boston’s oldest public building, erected in 1713 overlooking Long Wharf, replaced an old wooden Town House dating from 1658. After the Great fire of 1711, the town financed a brick building with a room for the Elder’s meeting, a library, an arsenal, and an arcaded farmers’ market “for the country people that come with theire provisions…to sitt dry and warme both in colde raine and durty weather.” It became the hub of the colony’s trade.
Tag Archives: boston skyline photo
Paul Revere House photo
Built in 1681, this is the oldest residence extant in Boston. Paul Revere, prospering as a silversmith, bought it for 214 pounds in 1770. The Revere’s bedroom probably occupied the front of the second floor. Other rooms in the rear of the house and on the third floor provided space for the many children borne by Revere’s two wives.
Park Street Church photo
The Park Street Congregational Church replaced the Town granary on the Common’s eastern corner in 1809. Peter Banner designed this brick Georgian structure with a 217-foot steeple, inspired by the latest London architecture.
Old South Meeting House photo
In 1729 master builder Joshua Blanchard completed the new brick structure of Old South, replacing a simple two-story cedar structure on the site and creating the largest space for public meetings of any Boston building. Here the Tea Party was begun.
Massachusetts State House painting
Designed by Charles Bulfinch. Cornerstone laid on July 4, 1795, with Paul Revere and Gov. Sam Adams presiding. This view is from a banjo clock, ca. 1870.
Bunker Hill Monument aerial photo
Photograph looking over the Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown, towards Boston, MA. The USS Constitution is at left.
Old North Church skyline photo
British Honduran merchants who traded frequently in Boston donated the Old North’s first steeple, with weathervane by Shem Drowne.
Steeple of Old North church, Boston, MA at sunrise