Massachusetts State House facts for kids
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Massachusetts State House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Massachusetts State House
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 Location in Boston
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| Location | 24 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1795–1798 |
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| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Beacon Hill Historic District (ID66000130) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000771 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
| Designated CP | October 15, 1966 |
The Massachusetts State House is the main building where the government of Massachusetts works. It is located in the Beacon Hill area of Boston. This important building houses the Massachusetts General Court (which is the state's law-making group) and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts.
The State House was designed by a famous architect named Charles Bulfinch. It was finished in January 1798. The building cost $133,333, which was much more than planned! Over the years, it has been made bigger several times. It is known for its beautiful Federal architecture style. Because of its important design, it is considered a National Historic Landmark.
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Building History and Design
The State House sits on about 6.7 acres (27,000 square meters) of land. It is on top of Beacon Hill, right across from the Boston Common park. The land used to belong to John Hancock, who was Massachusetts's first elected governor. The first stone of the building was laid on July 4, 1795. Paul Revere, a famous American patriot, was part of this special ceremony.
Before this State House was built, the government met in the Old State House. For the design of the new building, Charles Bulfinch looked at two buildings in London: William Chambers's Somerset House and James Wyatt's Pantheon.
When Maine became its own state in 1820, Charles Bulfinch also designed Maine's capitol building. It was influenced by the Massachusetts State House's design.
The building has been expanded over time. A big addition was completed in 1895, designed by architect Charles Brigham. Later, in 1917, the east and west wings were added. These were designed by other architects like Sturgis and Bryant.
The Famous Dome
The State House has a very famous dome. The first dome was made of wood and leaked. So, in 1802, it was covered with copper by Paul Revere's company. Paul Revere was the first American to successfully make copper sheets for building use.
The dome was first painted gray, then light yellow. In 1874, it was covered with shiny gold leaf. This made it look golden. During World War II, the dome was painted gray again. This was to stop it from reflecting light during blackouts and to protect the city from possible attacks. In 1997, the dome was covered in new 23-karat gold leaf. This cost over $300,000!
On top of the dome is a gilded, wooden pine cone. This pine cone is a symbol. It represents how important the lumber (wood) industry was to Boston long ago. It also reminds people of the state of Maine, which was part of Massachusetts when the original building was finished.
Statues Around the Building
You can see several statues in front of the State House. There is an equestrian statue (a statue of a person on a horse) of General Joseph Hooker. Other statues include Daniel Webster, a famous speaker, and Horace Mann, who was important in education. There is also a statue of former US President John F. Kennedy.
On the lawns below the east and west wings, you can find statues of Anne Hutchinson and Statue of Mary Dyer. These women were important figures in early Massachusetts history.
Inside the State House
The original part of the State House, made of red brick, holds the Governor's offices. The Massachusetts Senate (one part of the state legislature) meets in the old House of Representatives Chamber under the dome. The Massachusetts House of Representatives (the other part of the legislature) has its own chamber in a newer part of the building.
Hanging over the House Chamber is a special wooden fish called the "Sacred Cod". A Boston merchant gave it to the House of Representatives in 1784. The Sacred Cod shows how important the fishing industry was to Massachusetts's economy in the early days.
The House Chamber has beautiful paintings called murals by Albert Herter. Other murals under the dome were painted by Edward Brodney. He won a competition in 1936 to paint his first mural, "Columbia Knighting Her World War Disabled." He used his friends and family as models for the people in the painting. Later, in 1938, he painted another mural called "World War Mothers." These murals are special because they show women in military art.
A grand staircase leads from Beacon Street to Doric Hall inside the building. The large main doors in Doric Hall are usually closed. They are only opened for three very special reasons:
- When the President of the United States or a leader from another country visits.
- When the Governor leaves office for the last time. This tradition is called the "Long Walk." The Governor walks alone from their office, through Doric Hall, and out the main doors. They then walk down the stairs and cross Beacon Street into Boston Common. This symbolizes them rejoining the people as a regular citizen.
- When a regimental flag is brought back from battle. This has not happened since the Vietnam War, as flags now return to Washington, D.C.
There is also a metal box called the Samuel Adams and Paul Revere time capsule hidden in a cornerstone of the State House. It was placed there in the late 1700s and found again in 2014. It contains old coins, newspapers, and other historical items.
Who Works Here?
The State House is home to many important offices.
State Leaders
Most of the main offices for Massachusetts's elected state leaders are in the State House. These include:
- The Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
- The Massachusetts Governor's Council, which advises the Governor.
- The Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, who handles state records.
- The Treasurer, who manages the state's money.
- The Massachusetts State Auditor, who checks how the state spends money.
Lawmakers' Offices
Most of the space in the State House is used by the state's lawmakers. Every member of the House and Senate has an office here. The House Speaker, who leads the House, has a large office suite. There are also offices for the clerks and lawyers who help the House and Senate.
Reporters' Area
On the fourth floor, there is a special area for reporters. This is called the Press Gallery. Reporters from many news organizations have desks here. They write about what happens in the state government. The Massachusetts State House Press Association, started in 1909, helps manage these shared workspaces. Some news groups also have their own separate offices.
Veterans' Groups
Several groups that help military veterans have offices on the fifth floor. These groups include the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. They work to support veterans in Massachusetts.
Other Services
The State House also has a U.S. Post Office where you can send mail. There is also a State House Cafe, which is open for breakfast and lunch.
Gallery
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An aerial view of the State House from Boston Common.
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A view of Boston from Dorchester Heights in 1841, showing the State House on top of the hill.
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The interior of the House of Representatives in 1856.
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The dedication of the Daniel Webster statue in 1859.
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The State House in the 19th century.
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The interior of the House of Representatives in the 19th century.
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The State House in 1892.
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The State House around 1895.
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The interior of the State House in 2005.
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The front of the building at night.
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An aerial view showing the full State House with all its additions.
Images for kids
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The House chamber.
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The State Library of Massachusetts reading room.
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The Rotunda inside the State House.
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The State House at night in 2015.
See also
In Spanish: Casa del Estado de Massachusetts para niños
