Massachusetts State House
N 42° 21.463 W 071° 03.815
19T E 330056 N 4691556
The state capitol of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is located on historic Beacon Hill in Boston.
Waymark Code: WMW2X
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 10/22/2006
Views: 248
This historic and majestic building overlooks the northeast corner of the Boston Common. Designed by Boston native Charles Bulfinch, the gold-domed State House sits on land that originally served as a cow pasture for John Hancock. The original structure was complete in 1798 and was widely acclaimed as one of the most magnificent buildings in the young country.
The State House has undergone a number of renovations over the years, and the color of the building and the dome have changed as well. Among the major renovations were the construction of a rear addition in 1831 (the addition itself underwent an expansion from 1853 to 1856, and again from 1889 to 1895) and the addition of two marble wings (constructed between 1914 and 1917 on the east and west ends of the original building).
The Governor's offices are located on the west end of the original red-brick building, the House of Representatives occupies a chamber in the west wing, and the Senate chamber is located under the dome.
A number of statues and monuments are located on the grounds of the state house, including status of Daniel Webster, John F. Kennedy, and Civil War General Joseph Hooker. The State House is one of the most popular tourist locations in Boston, due in part to its proximity to other famous historic landmarks in the city.
The Massachusetts State House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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