Built in 1713, this brick structure served as the seat of colonial government before the Revolution and as the state capitol until 1797. From its balcony, the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians on July 18, 1776. In 1789, President George Washington reviewed a parade from here. The exterior decorations are particularly interesting -- the clock was installed in place of a sundial, and the gilded lion and unicorn are reproductions of the original symbols of British rule that were ripped from the facade and burned the day the Declaration of Independence was read.

Inside is the Bostonian Society's museum of the city's history. The society was founded in 1881 to save this building, which was badly deteriorated and, incredibly, about to be sold and shipped to Chicago. Exhibits include an introductory video on the history of the building and regularly changing displays that draw on the society's extensive collections of artifacts and documents.

To continue on the Freedom Trail: Leave the building, turn left, and walk half a block.