The Old State House was the center of civic events in colonial Boston that led up to the American Revolution. As the oldest surviving public building in Boston, it was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Council Chamber Seat of the Royal Government.

The legislature was dissolved in 1768 after the colonists acted in defiance to the English crown and two regiments of British soldiers were sent to occupy Boston. Once the building was no longer the home of the government, a merchant exchange occupied the first floor of the building and John Hancock rented the basement as a warehouse space.

            In 1761, James Otis argued against the Writs of Assistance in this building. The Writs of Assistance permitted warrantless searches of private homes and businesses. Otis lost the argument but this stand against the British was a spark towards the Revolutionary War. Of the argument, John Adams said “Then and there, the child Independence was born.”

            On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony for the first time to the people of Boston. The next day, the statues of a unicorn and a lion – symbolizing royal authority – were torn down and burned. After the reading, the state house was once against used to house the government. It became the seat of the new government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

            Inside of the Old State House there are several notable items on display to the public. John Hancock’s red velvet suit that he wore when he was sworn in as the governor of Massachusetts. Also, a vial of tea from the Boston Tea Party, a signal lantern used by the Sons of Liberty, silver made by Paul Revere, a musket used in the Battle of Lexington, and a drum from the Battle of Bunker Hill.