MASSACHUSETTS STATEHOUSE

Built between 1795 and 1797, this landmark in American architecture on Beacon Hill overlooks the Boston Common. The designer, Bulfinch began work on his return from England and was very much influenced by Robert Adam’s Renaissance style. The land needed was initially purchased from a wealthy patriot and merchant named John Hancock. Bulfinch also built state houses for Maine(1832) and Connecticut(1796).

The building consisted of a two-storey portico and a glistening dome. Copper from the foundry of Paul Revere was used to cover the original shingles when the roof began to leak and the gold leaf was added in 1874.
At the front of the building there is a series of Corinthian columns. In 1825 the red brick section was painted white and remained this colour until 1928 when it was returned to its original state. A large annex was added to the state house in 1895 and then in 1917 marble wings were added. The state House dominated the Boston skyline until the arrival of skyscrapers.

The Doric Hall is a fascinating structure where the central door is for visiting presidents and retiring governors only. The Nurses’ Hall contains a memorial to Civil war nurses. Immigrants from Italy laid the Italian marble floor of the Hall of Flags. The House of Representatives chamber contains the Sacred Cod, a symbol of the importance of the fishing industry, and also a lucky mascot, which must be present when the 160 state representatives are in session.

The seals of the original 13 states are contained in the stained-glass skylight. The Senate Reception Room and the Senate Chamber, where debating among 40 senators beneath the glorious dome takes place, are both Bulfinch’s. Several statues command respect around the grounds of the State House, including a very impressive figure of J.F.K, erected in 1988.

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