Walking Day 1

Old State House

Located now in the middle of downtown Boston, the Old State House is one of the oldest buildings in Boston, and one of the most important. From 1713 until 1798 (when the current State House was opened) it served as the hub of state government, and the location of many debates troubling the colonists before independence. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony, and in 1976, Queen Elizabeth stood there and paid tribute to the USA.

Old State House, Boston MA

Note the lion and unicorn on the top of the walls. These are the symbols of the British Crown. The originals were torn down and burned in 1776.

Old State House, Boston MA

The Old State House is now a museum.

Declaration of Independence; Old State House, Boston MA

I don't know if this is an original issue of the Declaration of Independence. I have a blurry picture of it, but was having something of a bad time with close up photos that day.

Coat and waistcoat belonging to John Hancock

A coat and waistcoat belonging to John Hancock, in the Old State House Museum.

Quincy Market

Customs House Tower, as seen from the steps of Faneuil Hall.

Quincy Market, seen from Faneuil Hall steps

The crowd watching a performance of some sort.

Flour and Grain Exchange

Originally a meeting hall for the Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Exchange was built on land donated by streetcar magnate Henry M. Whitney and completed in 1892. Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge designed the tiered arches and rock-faced masonry which exemplify the Romanesque Revival style associated with H. H. Richardson

The sturdy walls and elaborate design reflect an expression of financial security appropriate to the city's commercial circles. The exterior was restored by The Beal Companies in 1988.

Boston Commons

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