Massachusetts State House Facts for Kids

This page is about the building. For the legislative body, see Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Massachusetts State House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
U.S. Historic district Contributing property

The Massachusetts State House in Boston, November 2016
Location	24 Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts
Built	1795–1798
Architect	Charles Bulfinch, Charles Brigham Sturgis, Bryant, Chapman & Andrews
Architectural style	Federal architecture
Part of	Beacon Hill Historic District (ID66000130)
NRHP reference No.	66000771
Added to NRHP	October 15, 1966
Designated NHL	December 19, 1960
Designated CP	October 15, 1966

The Massachusetts State House is a very important building in Boston, Massachusetts. It's where the government of Massachusetts works! This beautiful building is home to the state's lawmakers, called the Massachusetts General Court, and the office 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 is a great example of Federal architecture and is one of the oldest state capitol buildings still in use today. It's even recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its amazing design.

The Building and Its Surroundings
- The Golden Dome
- Statues Around the Building
Inside the State House
- Special Doors and Memorials
- The Time Capsule
Who Works Here?
"Hub of the Solar System" Nickname
Gallery
See also

The Building and Its Surroundings

The State House around 1862, before new parts were added.

The building around 1895.

The State House sits on about 6.7 acres of land on top of Beacon Hill in Boston. It's right across from the famous Boston Common park. The land where it stands used to belong to John Hancock, who was Massachusetts's first elected governor.

The first stone for the building was laid on July 4, 1795. Paul Revere, a famous American hero, was there for the ceremony. Before this State House was built, the government met in the Old State House. Charles Bulfinch got ideas for his design from two buildings in London, England.

Later, in 1820, Maine became its own state. Charles Bulfinch also designed Maine's capitol building, taking some ideas from the Massachusetts State House. Over the years, the Massachusetts State House has been made bigger. A large expansion was finished in 1895, and more wings were added in 1917.

The Golden Dome

The dome on top of the State House is very famous! It was first made of wood, but it leaked when it rained. So, in 1802, Paul Revere's company covered it with copper.

The dome has changed colors over time. It was first gray, then light yellow. In 1874, it was covered with shiny gold leaf. During World War II, the dome was painted gray again. This was to keep it from reflecting light and to help protect the city from possible attacks. It was gilded with gold again in 1969 and then once more in 1997.

On top of the golden dome is a gilded, wooden pine cone. This pine cone reminds everyone of how important the lumber industry was to Boston a long time ago. It also represents the state of Maine, which was part of Massachusetts when the building was first finished.

Statues Around the Building

You can see several statues outside the State House. There's an equestrian statue of General Joseph Hooker on a horse. Other statues include Daniel Webster, a famous speaker, and Horace Mann, an important educator. You'll also find a statue of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

On the lawns below the building, there are statues of Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer, who were important women in early Massachusetts history. Inside the building, there's a statue of William Francis Bartlett, a brave officer from the Civil War.

Inside the State House

The original part of the building, made of red brick, holds the Governor's offices. The Massachusetts Senate meets in a room under the dome. The Massachusetts House of Representatives has its own chamber in a newer part of the building.

Hanging above the House Chamber is something special called the "Sacred Cod". This wooden fish was given to the House in 1784. It reminds everyone how important the fishing industry was to Massachusetts long ago.

The House Chamber has beautiful paintings called murals by an artist named Albert Herter. Other murals on the second floor were painted by Edward Brodney. These paintings show important moments in history, like honoring soldiers.

Special Doors and Memorials

A grand staircase leads from Beacon Street to a large room inside called Doric Hall. The big main doors in Doric Hall 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. They walk down the stairs and into Boston Common, showing they are now a regular citizen again.
When a special flag from soldiers returning from battle is brought back. This hasn't happened since the Vietnam War, as flags now go to Washington, D.C.

Memorial Hall, also known as the Hall of Flags, is a room on the second floor. It displays flags from Massachusetts soldiers who fought in different wars, starting with the American Civil War. The stained glass ceiling in this room shows the symbols of the original Thirteen Colonies of the United States.

The Time Capsule

A metal box called the Samuel Adams and Paul Revere time capsule was placed in a cornerstone of the State House a long time ago. It was found again in 2014! Inside were old coins, newspaper clippings, and other historical items.

Who Works Here?

Most of the State House is used by the people who work for the government.

State Leaders

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have their offices here. Other important state leaders, like the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Treasurer, also have offices in the building.

Lawmakers

Every member of the House and Senate has an office in the State House. The leaders of the House and Senate, called the House Speaker and Senate President, have large offices.

News Reporters

There's a special area on the fourth floor for news reporters. This is where journalists from different news organizations work to report on what's happening in the state government. They have a shared workspace called the Press Gallery.

Veterans' Groups

Several groups for military veterans have offices on the fifth floor. These groups help people who have served in the armed forces.

"Hub of the Solar System" Nickname

Boston has a fun nickname: "The Hub of the Universe." This name comes from something Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in 1858. He mentioned the State House and said, "Boston State-House is the Hub of the Solar System." It means that people from Boston think their city is very important!