Boston, MA
Capital of Massachusetts
Known as “Beantown”
Overview
Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts, located in the Northeast region of the United States. Founded in 1630, the city has grown to a population of approximately 675,647 residents within a state of 7,029,917 people. As both the largest city and capital of Massachusetts, Boston serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Massachusetts State House, a Federal structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1798. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Boston has served as the capital of Massachusetts since 1630.
Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House in Boston sits atop Beacon Hill and is crowned by its iconic golden dome, one of the most recognizable landmarks in New England. Designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1798, it is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture. The dome was originally wooden shingles, later covered with copper by Paul Revere's company, and ultimately gilded with 23-karat gold leaf in 1874.
Federal style by Charles Bulfinch
Notable Features
- Iconic 23-karat gold-leafed dome visible across the city
- Original copper dome covering by Paul Revere & Sons
- Nurses Hall with murals depicting Massachusetts history
- Sacred Cod -- a wooden fish hanging in the House chamber since 1784
- Archives Museum with the original Massachusetts Constitution
- Doric Hall with statues of notable Massachusetts leaders
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The dome was originally made of wooden shingles, then covered with copper by Paul Revere's company in 1802, and finally gilded with 23-karat gold leaf in 1874.
- ★A wooden carving of a codfish, known as the 'Sacred Cod,' has hung in the House of Representatives chamber since 1784, symbolizing the importance of the fishing industry.
- ★The building sits on land formerly owned by John Hancock, the first governor of Massachusetts and famous signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- ★During World War II, the gold dome was painted gray to protect the city from potential air attacks.
- ★Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1630.
- ★The Massachusetts State House is the oldest building on Beacon Hill and anchors one end of the Freedom Trail.
- ★The 'Sacred Cod' was once stolen by Harvard students in 1933, causing a legislative crisis until it was recovered.