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.
History
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. In 1770 the Boston Massacre took place in front of the Old State House.
During the Revolutionary War, it assumed its current, non-royalist name.Boston Street Laying-Out Dept. A record of the streets, alleys, places, etc. in the city of Boston. Boston: City Printing Dept., 1910. In the 19th century State Street became known as Boston's primary location for banks and other financial institutions.Thomas F. Anderson. Historic Boston. New England Magazine, June 1908
Transportation The 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
American Apollo, 18th-century newspaper Boston Evening Traveller Bunch-of-Grapes, tavern First Town-House Gilbert & Dean, publishers John Mein Merchants Exchange State Street Block
Images
References
Further reading
State Street: a brief account of a Boston way. Boston: State Street Trust Company, 1906