FRANEUIL HALL SQUARE

 

Congress St. between State and Commercial Sts.

Faneuil Hall, the "Cradle of Liberty" was first constructed as a marketplace in 1742. Built with money donated by businessman Peter Faneuil, whose portrait is prominently displayed in the hall itself, market stalls were constructed on the ground floor where food and wares are still sold. However, it’s the hall on the second floor that draws visitors from all over, curious to see the room in which Frederick Douglas, Daniel Webster, and Susan B. Anthony spoke about their causes.

Stand in this vast chamber, however, and it’s the oration that incited the American Revolution that comes to mind. Originally intended as a meeting place where local issues were to be discussed, the mid-1700s saw a change in the content of those meetings.

In this hall, able to accommodate 1,000 standing listeners, people attended meetings protesting the new British policies, including the Stamp Act of 1765. It was from within these walls that the Boston Tea Party developed as the act of defiance we still read about in our history books. The meetings that occurred here focused the attention of Boston, and the other colonies, on the intentions of the British. This is one site where you can sit and feel history, and almost hear the voices echoing from the past.

Faneuil Hall burned and was rebuilt, then was later expanded under the direction of Boston architect, Charles Bulfinch. It still functions as a local meeting hall today, serving in such diverse roles as the scene of high school graduations and, most fittingly, INS naturalization ceremonies.

In addition to the impressive brick structure, safeguarded by the National Park Service and appropriately dressed in architectural detail, portraits of historical figures, and informational placards, the ground floor is a thriving market. The third floor houses the museum and armory of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, a depository of weapons from the past. Park Rangers give talks about the history of Faneuil Hall and its place in history every half-hour, but the hall is open and visitors are free to wander around and inspect the paintings, sculpture, and other features. Faneuil Hall is a stop on the Freedom Trail.

Outside, the three long, three-story structures of Quincy Market stretch away in the direction of Boston Harbor. Originally a wholesale market for the entire region, the buildings were converted in the 1960s into retail shops and eating establishments. On summer days, crowds gather in the plaza to watch street entertainers.

Hours:

Daily 9:30-5

May be shortened in winter.

Call the NPS Visitor’s Center for information: 617-242-5642

Admission to Faneuil Hall:

Free