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Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is a popular marketplace and community meeting hall for Bostonians and tourists alike. Also known as “the Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall is one of the more famous stops on the Freedom Trail, with a memorable historic reputation of its own. Forbes Traveler rated Faneuil Hall the fourth most visited tourist site in America in 2008.

History

Funded by Peter Faneuil, the original Faneuil Hall was built from 1740 to 1742 by John Smibert, in an “English country market” style. It was a meeting ground for the masses, when American independence from British rule was still a far-off dream. The hall has hosted Samuel Adams, James Otis, and other famous speakers who inspired Americans to fight for independence. A now famous meeting between Capt. James Bruce, Samuel Adams, Jonathan Williams, and others was held Dec. 3, 1773 about the late arrival of tea in Boston.

However, in 1761, a fire burned the building down, and a new one was built a year later. But construction never ceased on the hall. In 1805, Charles Bulfinch took on a project to expand Faneuil Hall and added four bays, a third floor and overall doubled the hall’s height and width that was completed by 1806. Then from 1898 to 1899, Faneuil Hall was rebuilt with fireproof materials. In 1979, the first floor, as well as the basement were changed. And most recently, Faneuil Hall was restored in 1992.

These days, Faneuil Hall is part of the Boston National Historic Park and a major stop on the Freedom Trail. It also earned the title of National Historic Landmark on Oct. 9, 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places as well. Senator Edward M. Kennedy announced his run for presidency at Faneuil Hall in November 1979. Senator John Kerry delivered his concession speech there as well in November of 2004.

To this day, Massachusetts politicians hold debates at Faneuil Hall. A number of political shows like The O’Reilly Factor, have also been shot on the grounds. The first floor serves as a local market, and the second floor is still used for major community meetings, political discussions, and other events.

Faneuil Hall Today

Faneuil Hall boasts a busy marketplace, known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, that is a major tourist destination in Boston as well as a local favorite. The marketplace is made up of North Market, Quincy Market, and South Market.

The Boston Classical Orchestra is headquartered at Faneuil Hall since 1980, and frequently performs in the “Great Hall” on the premises.

What to Do

Admission is free at Faneuil Hall. National Park Service rangers lead daily historical talks every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The hall is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to check out the popular marketplace, or stop here while you’re explore other destinations on the Freedom Trail.

Getting There

Faneuil Hall is easily accessible by public transit. Get off at Government Center, Haymarket, or State stations if using the MBTA. Driving is challenging as parking is scarce. Next to the financial district, the Boston waterfront, the North End and Haymarket neighborhoods as well as Government Center, there’s a lot of traffic in this area of the city, with all the nearby tourist attractions.

Nearby Attractions

There are many popular attractions for tourists and locals near Faneuil Hall. There’s the New England Aquarium, and the Children’s Museum, which are always popular with younger visitors. For a glimpse at more of Boston’s revolutionary history, visit the Old State house, and Paul Revere’s House that are just a five-minute walk away. Also close by are the New State House, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Garden, the Old North Church, the U.S.S. Constitution, and Fenway Park. Many of these destinations are part of the Freedom Trail.

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Faneuil Hall