Old State House
The Old State House, constructed in 1713, is the oldest public building in Boston. Towering over all of the buildings around it, it was meant to impress. This location was the site of government business starting in 1658 and reflects the history of political change in Boston. The very same balcony from which Royal Governors would proclaim the king’s decrees, would be the place from which the Declaration of Independence was read on July 18, 1776. Both the promise and the disappointment of liberty would play out here. The quest for independence in the 18th century would not include everyone. African Americans and women would remain without a voice. Some in the African American community would join the militia to fight for what they hoped would be their freedom. Women would successfully manage businesses and farms during the long war for Independence but would not be recognized. Abolitionists like Prince Hall and feminists like Abigail Adams would begin the fight.