Crowned by its famous gold dome, the Massachusetts State House has overlooked Beacon Hill and Boston Common since 1798. Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, it still serves as the seat of state government. The building sits on land once owned by John Hancock, and the dome, originally covered in copper by Paul Revere’s company, was later gilded in gold leaf. As a stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail, it’s an easy landmark to spot and a fascinating one to learn about, and our audio tour shares the stories behind the architecture and the people who shaped it.
