Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall, also known as “the home of free speech” and the “Cradle of Liberty” was constructed in 1764, built by artist John Smilbert who used English Country Markets as an inspiration. The original building housed an open ground floor serving as a market house with an assembly room above.

Sitting atop Faneuil Hall is an 80-pound golden grasshopper, the most famous weathervane in the city, designed by craftsman Shem Drowne. During the war of 1812, it is said that in an attempt to spot spies, anyone who responded incorrectly to the question: What is on top of Faneuil Hall? Would be considered suspicious.

The Hall since has been the setting for 300-500 new citizens swearing-in, taking the Oath of Allegiance inside the Great Hall. To this day, the walls within the hall are decorated with paintings and sculpture busts of Revolutionary War activists, pre-Civil war abolitionists, and political leaders.