Standing atop Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House is one of Boston’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1798, it was designed by Charles Bulfinch, one of America’s most influential early architects. The building’s distinctive gold dome—originally wooden, later covered in copper by Paul Revere’s company, and now gilded in 23-karat gold—serves as a beacon over the city.

As the seat of Massachusetts government, the State House houses the Governor’s Office and the General Court (state legislature). Inside, visitors can explore historic halls, grand murals, and the Sacred Cod, a carved wooden fish that symbolizes the state’s maritime heritage. The building’s architecture blends Federal and Greek Revival styles, featuring a stunning rotunda, marble floors, and the Hall of Flags, which honors the state’s military history.

Beyond politics, the Massachusetts State House is a testament to American democracy. Its location on Beacon Hill—once John Hancock’s cow pasture—symbolizes the transformation of Boston from colonial settlement to revolutionary stronghold. Today, it remains a working government building that welcomes visitors for free guided tours, offering a glimpse into the Commonwealth’s legislative process and rich history.