A Link in Time
Massachusetts is one of the original thirteen colonies that comprised the United States in the late 18th century. In 1798 the “new” State House was built across the Boston Common on the top of Beacon Hill (cite 1). The historical significance of the building is evident in that it was constructed on land owned by Massachusetts’ first elected governor, John Hancock. Also, the person that designed the State House was Charles Bulfinch, the leading architect of the day. In this paper I will discuss the political and social significance of the Massachusetts State House through its design (exterior and interior), operations, and its cultural function as a historic edifice.
First off, the magnitude of the building and its grounds is overwhelming upon sight because it stretches for two city blocks. The exterior of the State House has a distinct exterior composition that speaks to its aesthetic nature and its historic prowess. The red brick walls on The Bulfinch Front (faces south) speak to the buildings tradition and durability, while the white trim serve as the complimentary aesthetic components to the solid, foundational bricks. The building’s towering pillars allude to the strength and dominance of the government and the national pride of the United States. Although Massachusetts has similar buildings that imitate the exterior makeup of solid red bricks, trimmings, and pillars, a distinction that set the State House apart is its dome. The dome of the State House was originally made out of wood shingles, but is now sheathed with copper and covered in 23 karat gold (cite 1). Until the introduction of skyscrapers in the 20th century, the dome of the State Building dominated the Boston skyline and caught the sun in ever...
... middle of paper ...
... Official Web Site of the City of Boston." Massachusetts State House. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2014. .
2. "Massachusetts State Building - Google Search." Massachusetts State Building - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2014.
3. "A Tour of the Massachusetts State House." Tours:. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2014.
4. "Massachusetts State House." Administration and Finance. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2014. .
5. "Massachusetts State House | Boston | Free State House Tours." Massachusetts State House | Boston | Free State House Tours. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2014. .
In today’s society, American citizens tend to believe that America has been, “American” since the day that Christopher Columbus set foot in the Bahamas. This is a myth that has been in our society for a multitude of years now. In A New England Town by Kenneth A. Lockridge, he proves that America was not always democratic. Additionally, he proves that America has not always been “American”, by presenting the town of Dedham in 1635. Lockridge presents this town through the course of over one hundred years, in that time many changes happened as it made its way to a type of democracy.
Frothingham, Jr, Richard (1851). History of the Siege of Boston and of the Battles of Lexington,
Boston Massacre Historical Society. Boston Massacre Historical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, 2008. Web. 12 Nov. 2009.
The colony, Massachusetts Bay was settled under God’s law in the Americas by puritans that decided to leave the church of England as a result of King Charles I’s persecution. The Puritans believed that they need to purify from the mixed doctrines between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic. Inspired by the opportunity that the Americas can offer to them, they decided to establish a community called “Massachusetts Bay” after a name of their puritan corporation “the Massachusetts Bay Company, which settled their first colony in Salem in 1629. They created a Puritan self-governing by developing a government which includes a governor and a representative assembly called the General
Edward, Rebecca and Henretta, James and Self, Robert. America A Concise History. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 2012.
Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, a.k.a. The X-Men, 2014. 196-198.
Henretta, James A and David* Brody. America: A concise History . Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. Document.
Hartog, Hendrik. "The Public law of a County Court: Judicial Government in Eighteenth Century Massachusetts." American Journal of Legal History, XX (1976), 282-329
The town of Boston was a very unstable throughout the 1760’s. This instability quickly turned to violence in the early part of 1770’s. Tension had already begun to in the beginning of the year with various clashes between the British and the colonists. However, in early March the tensions erupted into bloodshed to create what we now know as the Boston Massacre. The occurrence of these events is a fact, however, the interpretations of them has changed over time. The reports are colored by events that are taking place during the period of time in which they were written and by the author’s own prejudices and opinions. However, we can use these imperfections as a way of tracking what is occurring in America and the state of politics.
The interesting history of the capitol building begins back in 1810. This is when Harrisburg was named the new capital city of Pennsylvania (“CPC Home Page”). Since then, three buildings have sat upon Harrisburg’s Capitol Hill. Local architect, Stephen Hills, was chosen to design the first building. In 1819, Hills began to construction on the structure. The building was completed in 1822, and cost a total of $135,000. The first capitol building existed for seventy-five years, until a fire destroyed it in 1897 (“Capitol”).
Jefferson, Thomas. "Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia: Ch. 19." Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia: Ch. 19. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2014.
Brooks, Rebecca B. "The Boston Massacre." History of Massachusetts. N.p., 10 Nov. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.
Since its founding in 1630, the city has enjoyed being an entertainment hub for the country. As such, it is one of the oldest entertainment capitals in the United States. For those who need something to do in this city while they are waiting for the nightlife to light up, Boston offers plenty of landmarks, parks, tourist attractions, and other sightseeing opportunities throughout the entire area. 33 Restaurant & Lounge is just one of the many trendy eateries and bars
In Massachusetts Bay colony, there were social stresses and there was a quarrel over land ownership in the Putnam family, twelve others from Gloucester; thirteen from the port of Salem; and fifty-five from Andover women. Rebellious acts started going on and the desire of power became outrageous as they physically started attacking ...
Instead of having scattered villages like the Virginia colony, the people of the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized communities that were small and built close together. These centers were built so that villagers were able to complete a wide range of duties such as cultivating land or fetching lumber from forests (Divine, 94). This system was especially efficient for finishing these important tasks and allowing time for other agendas that were important to the colonists. The setup of the town was not just efficient. Families were able to live close together which helped create a sense of community among the people. Taverns and meetinghouses were commonly built in town, giving the ...