Sunday, June 21, 2009

Old State House


The Old State House is an historical landmark in Boston on State Street, (nee King Street) and the oldest public building in the country. It was superseded as the State House when Bullfinch's new State House was completed in 1798. It was also Boston's City Hall from 1830-1841. Other years it was rented for commercial use and was almost torn down in the 1870s to make way for more street traffic. Chicago offered to move it brick by brick to Chicago, but luckily for Boston a plan was developed and the building saved. It is now a museum and houses many documents and artifacts of the nation's early history.


The Old State House was also the first picture I ever posted on this blog.

16 comments:

Tash said...

I cannot imagine anyone considered moving it! This is what I loved about Boston - all the old buildings still there & surrounded by the glass highrises. I may be mistaken, but I rememeber a gorgeous spiral wooden staircase inside - I don't know if I got the right building. Excellent building to photograph over & over.

Jilly said...

Although this beautiful building is surrounded by high rises, it stands out, it has a dignity that demands to be looked it. A super photo.

joo said...

It's great that it saved! Beautiful building and even the neighberhood can't spoil its glamour:)

Anonymous said...

lovely building, made even lovelier, i think, by its contrast to the modern buildings around it.

happy father's day, clueless! :)

p.s. - what, exactly, are you clueless about? it certainly isn't photography!

Cezar and Léia said...

Adorable pictures! So nice to see a fabulous old building surviving among the modern ones!
Great post!
Have a great Sunday and be always happy dear friend
Léia and Luna(from Brazil)

brattcat said...

It's dwarfed by its neighbors but when you look at it somehow it still dominates the scene, whether in your photograph, or in person.

cieldequimper said...

Ah, the essence of East coast cities. I love the old and modern side by side. It's a beautiful building!

Hilda said...

It's a wonderful, old building and I am so glad it wasn't demolished! A great piece of Boston's history and perfect as a museum and archive.

Unknown said...

The building really strike out among its higher neighbors. It's great that it got to stay in Boston and that it still stands!

Lowell said...

Why in the world would anyone think to move this building to Chicago?

It's a gorgeous building and this is a great photo!

Trojan Gordon said...

I'm a big fan of your blog - pop over to mine and pick up your much deserved award

Ruben Hestholm said...

A great shot of a gorgeous building.

2sweetnsaxy said...

What a great old building. It almost looks out of place. It's too bad so many people want to destroy historical buildings and places.

La Belle Esplanade said...

Thanks for the reminder. This artifact is ofen overlooked as nothing more than T station and it's much, much more and no eyesore. It is belongs right where it is. May it stand forever. Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem.

Buenos Aires Photoblog said...

I'm glad Boston has saved the historic building. Will you show us some insights someday?

Malyss said...

From Boston to Chicago?... Were they that jealous?!..
I like the contrast between this old and red building, and the modern architecture around, so straight, grey and cold..
It seems to be the spirit of Boston.