State Street is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. 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 with view of Old State House in 2010 | |
| Former name(s) | Market Street King Street |
|---|---|
| West end | Court Street |
| Major junctions | Court Street I-93 (Atlantic Ave./JFK Surface Rd.) |
| East end | Old Atlantic Avenue |
History
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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.[citation needed] In 1770 the Boston Massacre took place in front of the Customs House.[1]
During the Revolutionary War, it assumed its current, non-royalist name.[2] In the 19th century State Street became known as Boston's primary location for banks and other financial institutions.[3]
Transportation
editThe Blue Line of the MBTA subway runs below State Street. Two stations have entrances on State Street: Aquarium and State. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is also nearby. The east end of State Street is at Long Wharf, where ferries are available to several places, including the airport.
See also
editImages
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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
edit- ^ "Boston Massacre". HISTORY. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ Boston Street Laying-Out Dept. A record of the streets, alleys, places, etc. in the city of Boston. Boston: City Printing Dept., 1910.
- ^ Thomas F. Anderson. Historic Boston. New England Magazine, June 1908
Further reading
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- "State Street". Ballou's Pictorial. 8. Boston, Mass. 1855.
- State Street: a brief account of a Boston way. Boston: State Street Trust Company, 1906