State Street (Boston)

State Street in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest streets in the city. Located in the financial district, it is the site of some historic landmarks, such as Long Wharf, the Old State House and the Boston Custom House.

State Street, Boston, 2010, with view of Old State House

History

"South Market Street, Boston" stereoscopic photograph by Bierstadt Brothers

In 1630 the first Puritan settlers, led by John Winthrop, built their earliest houses along what is today "State Street." The Puritans also originally built the meeting house for the First Church in Boston on the street across from the marketplace, which was located where the Old State House stands today. By 1636 the thoroughfare was known as Market Street. From 1708 to 1784 it was renamed King Street. In 1770 the Boston Massacre took place in front of the Customs House.

During the Revolutionary War, it assumed its current, non-royalist name.[1] In the 19th century State Street became known as Boston's primary location for banks and other financial institutions.[2]

Transportation

The Blue Line of the MBTA subway runs below State Street. Two stations have entrances on State Street: Aquarium, and State. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace can also be found nearby. The east end of State Street is at Long Wharf, where ferries are available to several places, including the airport.

See also

American Apollo, 18th-century newspaper Boston Custom House Boston Evening Traveller Boston Massacre Bunch-of-Grapes, tavern First Town-House, Boston

Gilbert & Dean, publishers Long Wharf (Boston) John Mein (publisher) Merchants Exchange (Boston, Massachusetts) Old State House (Boston) State Street Block (Boston)

Images

• 
  John Winthrop built his first house in Boston on what is today, State Street
• 
  1630 site of Winthrop's first home in Boston on State Street
• 
  The Boston Massacre took place on State Street (then "King Street") in front of the Old State House; the site is marked by a cobblestone circle in the square
• 
  Detail of 1775 map of Boston, showing King Street and vicinity
• 
  State Street, 1801, by J. Marston
• 
  Advertisement for Lemuel Gulliver "stationer, chart and nautical bookseller" c. 1826
• 
  State St., c. 19th century

References

1. Boston Street Laying-Out Dept. A record of the streets, alleys, places, etc. in the city of Boston. Boston: City Printing Dept., 1910.
2. Thomas F. Anderson. Historic Boston. New England Magazine, June 1908

Further reading

• "State Street". Ballou's Pictorial. Boston, Mass. 8. 1855.
• State Street: a brief account of a Boston way. Boston: State Street Trust Company, 1906