Boston is one of the only American cities where a building whose cornerstone was laid in 1795 (by Governor Samuel Adams) would be called the "new" anything. Nevertheless, this is the new State House, as opposed to the Old State House (discussed below). The great Federal-era architect Charles Bulfinch designed the central building of the state capitol, and in 1802 copper sheathing manufactured by Paul Revere replaced shingles on the landmark dome. Gold leaf now covers the dome; during World War II blackouts, it was painted black. The state legislature, or Massachusetts General Court, meets here. The House of Representatives congregates under a wooden fish, the Sacred Cod. John Rowe, known as "Merchant" Rowe (Rowes Wharf bears his name), donated the carving in 1784 as a reminder of fishing's importance to the local economy. Tours (guided and self-guided) leave from the second floor; call ahead to see whether weekend hours have been reinstated.

Whether or not you go inside, be sure to study some of the many statues outside. Subjects range from Mary Dyer, a Quaker hanged on the Common in 1660 for refusing to abandon her religious beliefs, to President John F. Kennedy. The 60-foot monument at the rear (off Bowdoin St.) illustrates Beacon Hill's original height, before the top was shorn off to use in 19th-century landfill projects.

To continue on the Freedom Trail: Walk down Park Street (which Bulfinch laid out in 1804) to Tremont Street.