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TEBMONT STREET, 
 Between Court & School Sts., BosUj 
 
 This establishment having been removed to 
 superb edifice erected for the express purpose, 
 cost of nearly a 
 
 Quarter of a Million Dollars, 
 
 is now acknowledged to be the most valuable and 
 fectly arranged institution of the kind in Ame 
 The entire premises cover nearly 
 
 TWENTY THOUSiVND FEET OF LAN 
 the whole of which, with its numerous cabinej 
 crowded with eveiy variety of 
 BIRDS, QUADRUPEDS, FISH, REPTI 
 INSECTS, SHELLS, MINERALS, 
 FOSSILS, &C. 
 from allots of the world, together with upwa 
 (See third page of cover.) 
 
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GUIDE-BOOK 
 
 STRANGERS VISITING THE CUPOLA 
 
 :t4ITO»»l^ 
 
 IN BOSTON, 
 
 Intended to enable those not acquainted with localities, the feetleir to 
 find the principal objects that are in sight. 
 
 WTJTM A Mt&P ®F H@§T®M a 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 A. J. WRIGHT'S STEAM-PRESS PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. 
 
 3 WATER STREET. 
 
 1848. 
 

 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1848 ; 
 
 By EMERY N. MOORE, 
 i the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts 
 
 20 . 
 
J 
 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 Before the year 
 1800, the Legis- 
 lature of Massa- 
 chusetts held its 
 session in the buil- 
 ding at the head 
 of State Street, 
 where the Post 
 Office was recent- 
 ly located. This 
 present building 
 was commenced 
 in 1795, on land 
 formerly belong- 
 ing to Governor 
 Hancock, on Bea- 
 con Hill, and fron- 
 ting the Common ; 
 the cost of the 
 
 land at that time 
 being twenty thou- 
 sand dollars. The 
 corner stone was 
 drawn to the place 
 by fifteen white 
 horses — fifteen be- 
 ing then the num- 
 ber of States in 
 the Union - — and 
 laid with Masonic 
 honors, by Sam- 
 uel Adams, at 
 that time Gov- 
 ernor of Massa- 
 chusetts. The 
 dome is fifty feet 
 in diameter, and 
 30 feet in height. 
 
 The ascent to the dome is by a winding staircase 
 of one hundred and sixty-eight steps. In the lower 
 story is a fine Siatue of Washington, by Chantry, a 
 celebrated English sculptor, the cost of which ex- 
 ceeded $ 15,000. Near the back door are four large 
 Blabs taken from a monument, which was erected in 
 the year 1789, on the ground a little to the N. E. 
 of the State House. It was 60 feet high and 4 feet in 
 diameter. On the pedestal were inscriptions com- 
 memorating important events, as follows : 
 
INSCRIPTIONS 
 
 ON THE OLD MONUMENT ON BEACON HILL. 
 
 "To commemorate that train of events which led to the American 
 Revolution, and finally secured Liberty and Independence to the 
 United States, this column is erected hy the voluntary contribution 
 of the citizens of Boston, MDCCXC. 
 
 "Stamp Act passed, 1765,— Repealed, 1766. Board of Customs 
 established, 1767. British troops fired upon the inhabitants of Bos- 
 Ion, March 5, 1770. Tea Act passed, 1773 Tea destroyed in Boston, 
 Dec. 16. Port of Boston shut and guarded, June 1, 1774. General 
 Congress at Philadelphia, Sept. 4. Provincial Congress at Concord, 
 Oct. 11. Buttle of Lexington, April 19, 1775. Battle of Bunker's 
 Hill, June 17. Washington took command of the Army, July 2 — 
 Boston evacuated, March 17, 1776. Independence declared by Con- 
 gress, July 4, 1776— Hancock, President. Capture of Hessians at 
 Trenton, Dec 26. Capture of Hessians, at Bennington, August 16, 
 1777. Capture of British Army at Saratoga, Oct, 17, 1777. Alliance 
 with France, Feb. 6, 1773 Confederation of United States formed, 
 July 9. Constitution of Massachusetts formed, 1780,— Bowdoin, 
 President of the Convention. Capture of the British Army at York, 
 Oct. 19, 1781. Preliminaries of Peace, Nov. 30, 1762. Definitive 
 Treaty of Peace, Sept. 10, 1783. Federal Constitution formed, Sept,, 
 17, 1787, and ratified by the United States, 1787 to 1790. New Con- 
 gress assembled at New York, April 16, 1789 Washington inaugu- 
 rated President, April 30. Public Debts funded, August 4, 1790. 
 
 " Americans ! while from this eminence, scenes of luxuriant fer- 
 tility, of flourishing commerce, and the abodes of social happiness, 
 meet your view, forget not those who, by their exertions, have secured 
 to you these blessings." 
 
 See pages 21 to 24 for a full description of the State' 
 House. 
 
VIEWS FROM THE CUPOLA. 
 
 NORTH WINDOW. 
 
 On the left is Cambridgeport, with Old Cambridge 
 in the distance. Harvard University is in this town, 
 but cannot be distinctly pointed out. To the right of 
 Cambridgeport, is Ea^t Cambridge, with its extensive 
 Glass Works, which can be distinguished by their tall 
 chimneys. Beyond, and a little to the left of East 
 Cambridge, is seen the town of West Cambridge. — 
 Directly in the range of the Glass Works, is the 
 McLean Hospital, for the insane, (located in Somer- 
 ville,) which is a department of the Massachusetts 
 General Hospital, and was opened for the reception of 
 patients in 1817. All the patients are placed here by 
 their friends, and a weekly price paid, varying from 
 $ 3 00 to $ 5 00 per week. Somerville is the village 
 seen to the left, and partly on a hill which is " Winter 
 Hill ;" this eminence served as a protection to the 
 Americans, in their retreat from Bunker Hill, and 
 cannon shot are frequently dug out of the sides. To 
 the right of the Hospital, (in the distance,) stand the 
 ruins of the Ursuline Convent, on Mount Benedict. 
 This Convent was burnt in the month of August, 1834, 
 Directly beyond the ruins is seen the town of Medford, 
 famous for its ship building. Maiden is the town seen 
 beyond, and to the left of the Monument. Let the 
 eye cross the water (which is a part of Charles River) 
 directly east of the Glass Works, to where stands the 
 Massachusetts State Prison, which is a cluster of 
 granite buildings, situated in Charlestown. The piin- 
 
cipal objects in that town to interest a stranger, are 
 Bunker Hill Monument, and the Navy Yard. The 
 former was begun in 1821, (the corner stune being 
 laid by LaFayette,) and after encountering numerous 
 obstacles, was completed in 1842 ; it is two hundred 
 and twenty feet hi^h, and stands upon the battle-field 
 of the first important conflict of the Revolution ; stran- 
 gers visiting this neighborhood, should not fail of pay- 
 ing a visit to this consecrated ground. The Navy 
 Yard is to the right of the Monument, and can be 
 easily distinguished by its Ship Houses, under which 
 stand some of the largest ships of the American Navy. 
 This Naval Depot is worthy of especial notice, and 
 cannot fail to repay a visit. Its stupendous specimens 
 of naval architecture; its massive Dry Dock, (where 
 ships of the- largest class can be repaired,) with its 
 Steam Pumps attached ; together with its Park of 
 Artillery, Rope Walk, etc., are well worthy of in- 
 spection. In the back ground of the Navy Yard, is 
 the town of Chelsea. In this town are located the 
 Marine and Naval Hospitals, belonging to the United 
 States. The former is for the reception of seamen of 
 the Mercantile Navy, and the latter is intended for 
 seamen and others, be'onging to the United States 
 Navy; it is the large granite building, seen a little 
 distance from the left of the farther end of the Bridge. 
 The Marine Hospital is situated some distance to the 
 right of the Bridge. To the right of the town of 
 Chelsea, in the distance, is Lynn. In Boston, on the 
 left, the most prominent object which strikes the eye, 
 is a large granite buildinjr, which is the Massachusetts 
 General Hospital, the left winjr of which has been 
 erected within the past year. The funds for that pur- 
 pose, (about $60,000,) were subscribed by a few 
 benevolent individuals of this city, the object being to 
 afford more opportunity for free beds, for poor people. 
 The larire brick buildings to the left of the Hospital, 
 is the Medical College for the use of students during 
 the season, for the lectures on Medicine and Surgery. 
 
To the right of the Hospital is seen the " Wells School 
 House." The church to the right of that, fronting' 
 the spectator, is the " West Church," (better known 
 as Dr. Lowell's,) on Lynde street. The two large 
 buildings seen directly over Dr. Lowell's Church, are 
 the Warehouses and Depot connected with the Boston 
 and Lowell Railroad. Between the Church and the 
 Depot, can be seen the County Jail. To the right of 
 the Jail, is seen the school house recently erected, 
 called the "Otis School," named in honor of that 
 venerable patriot, Harrison Gray Otis. At the open- 
 ing of the school, in March, 1845, Mr. Otis was pres- 
 ent, and among other things stated, that "forty years 
 ago, the place where the school was built, was a Mill 
 Pond, and the tide flowed into it, to the depth of ten 
 or twelve feet." Nearer the spectator, to the right 
 of Dr. Lowell's, are seen the spires of " Grace 
 Church," one of the most beautiful churches in Bos- 
 ton. The vacant lot on which the workmen are em- 
 ployed, is intended for one of the Reservoirs for the 
 Aqueduct. Directly in front of Grace Church, in 
 Bowdoin street, is seen Bowdoin street church, where 
 Dr. Beecher formerly preached ; to the right of that, 
 is the Bowdoin Square Baptist Church. In the rear 
 of the latter, is seen the National Theatre, On the 
 extreme right, the church with the high steeple is 
 *' Christ Church," in Salem street. This church con- 
 tains a set of chime-bells, the music of which is truly 
 delightful ; it is situated near to " Copp's Hill," cel- 
 ebrated in the history of Boston. On this hill can be 
 found the tomb of the famous Increase and Cotton 
 Mather. The bridges, etc., are, beginning on the 
 left, Charles River Bridge, leading to Cambridgeport , 
 Cragie's Bridge, to East Cambridge ; Boston and 
 Lowell Railroad ; Boston and Maine Railroad, — the 
 Depot of this Road is seen to the right of the Bowdoin 
 Square Church ; and the Warren and Charlestown 
 Bridges ; the two latter are owned by the State, and 
 are free bridges. Directly in range of Cragie's Bridge 
 
8 
 
 is seen a curious round building, which is used as an 
 Engine House for the Boston and Lowell Railroad. 
 To the right of the Boston end of the Warren Bridge 
 is the Depot of the Fitchburg Railroad. The round 
 building in front of the State Prison, in Charlestown, 
 is the Engine House belonging to the Boston and 
 Maine Extension Railroad. Erom this window, on a 
 clear day, two mountains can be seen, in range of 
 East Cambridge. By fixing the eye upon a large 
 brick building, in East Cambridge, on the left, and 
 raising it to the background, can be seen Mount 
 Watutick, in the town of Ashburnham, on the borders 
 of this State ; and a little to the right of that can be 
 Keen the top of Mount Monadnock, in Jeffrey, N. H 
 
EAST WINDOW 
 
 From this window we have the Harbor, with its 
 Forts, Islands, Wharves, and Shipping. The Island 
 in front is known by the name of East Boston, and 
 contains about 800 acres. It was called " Noddle's 
 Island " by the first settlers, but of late years, it has 
 been known by the name of Williams' Island. There 
 were but two or three houses upon it as late as 1830, 
 The population at present is about 7000. The rapid 
 increase of this place is owing probably to the Eastern 
 Railroad Depot being there. The large brick building 
 is the Sugar Refinery, which is a very extensive con- 
 cern, employing about one hundred men. To the right 
 of the Sugar House is the Depot of the Eastern Rail- 
 road ; and still farther to the right of that is the Cunard 
 Wharf, used for the British line of Mail Steamers. 
 
 The first island, on the right, is Governor's Island, 
 on which is Fort Warren. To the right, in the dis- 
 tance, is seen the Boston Light, distant about thirteen 
 miles. To the left of Governor's Island is a beautiful 
 little island, known as Apple Island. To the right, 
 is Fort Independence, on Castle Island ; it was at this 
 place that the notorious Stephen Burroughs was once 
 confined, — the Castle at that time being used for the 
 reception of convicts. Fort George is seen in the dis- 
 tance, between Governor's Island and Castle Island. 
 In Boston we have, a little to the left of a front view, 
 Faneuil Hall ; and directly between that and the 
 water, is Faneuil Hall Market. These two buildings 
 are worthy of a visit ; the former especially, from its 
 association with the Revolution, being the " Cradle of 
 Liberty," and contains the armories of the different 
 military companies in the city. It was commenced in 
 
10 
 
 1740, by Peter Faneuil, and finished in two years. — 
 The lower rooms were first intended and used as a 
 Market House, and the second story as a Town Hall, 
 and it is in this room that meetings are held. The 
 building was enlarged in 1805, by adding 40 feet to 
 its width and 25 to its elevation. A full length por- 
 trait of the donor can be seen in the hall. Faneuil 
 Hall Market was commenced in 1824, while Hon. 
 Josiah Quincy (falher of our present Mayor) was at 
 the head of the City Government ; it is nearly 600 
 feet in length and 50 wide. The interior is divided 
 into 129 stalls. The cost of the building was over 
 one million dollars. The land upon which it is built 
 was reclaimed from the sea. To the left of Faneuil 
 Hall is seen the long block of granite stores on Com- 
 mercial Wharf, and back of that is Lewis' Wharf. — 
 To the right of the market is seen the Custom House, 
 easily distinguished by its granite dome ; it is located 
 on India street, between Long and Central Wharves; 
 it is built of Quincy granite, and is said to be the most 
 beautiful and substantial building in the country. The 
 following description of the Custom-House will be 
 found interesting : 
 
 The order of its architecture is the Grecian Doric, 
 which style is preserved throughout as far as is con- 
 sistent with the site and the business to which the 
 building is devoted. The extreme length of the build- 
 ing is 140 feet, and its depth, omitting the porticos, 
 75 feet. The height from the basement floor to the 
 top of the dome is 95 feet. 
 
 Externally thirty-two fluted columns are presented, 
 each 5 feet 4 inches diameter and 32 feet in height. 
 Of these, sixteen are three-quarter columns, and form 
 part of the walls, the space between them being de- 
 voted to windows. There are four of these columns 
 at each end of the building, and two on each side of 
 the porticos. Then at each corner is a nearly full 
 
11 
 
 column, so that each end of the building presents the 
 appearance of six of these fine columns, and the sides, 
 including- the porticos, severally exhibit twelve col- 
 umns. Four antae, or square pillars, stand at the 
 intersections of the porticos with the body of the 
 building - . 
 
 The porticos are ten feet deep by sixty-six in width, 
 with six columns, each of the dimensions stated above. 
 The entablatures are ornamented with iriglyph friezes 
 and mutule cornices on a line with the cornices of the 
 building-. The porticos are reached by eleven stone 
 steps, on the fronts and sides. 
 
 The roof throughout and the unglazed part of the 
 dome are covered with granite tiles, which are visible 
 from some points of view in State street. 
 
 It would be difficult to find terms of description 
 which would convey an adequate idea of the effect 
 produced by the architectural arrangements above de- 
 tailed. All that we can say at present is, that the new- 
 Custom House is imposing in its dimensions, harmo- 
 nious in its proportions, impressive in its solidity, and 
 beautiful in its strength. 
 
 Passing- from the principal external visible features 
 of the building, we proceed to the foundation on which 
 it rests, viz. : three thousand piles, covering an area 
 of nearly fourteen thousand feet. On these piles has 
 been laid a platform of granite, a foot and a half thick, 
 and well cemented together, so as to be impervious to 
 water. On the east, south, and west margins of this 
 platform is built a ten foot shield wall, and within the 
 enclosure thus formed, stand the walls proper of the 
 Custom House. 
 
 The cellar story is much cut up by arches and walls 
 of vast thickness, required to support the immense 
 ♦weight of the internal stone work above. Numerous 
 rooms, however, twelve feet high, are secured for 
 
12 
 
 storage, and also an apartment for the furnaces, for 
 heating the whole establishment. 
 
 The first story open to the light of day is the base- 
 ment. In addition to the thick wall partitions separ- 
 ating the room, four granite columns, four feet in di- 
 ameter, and eight, two feet in diameter, are distributed 
 through the rooms as supporters. In the northwest 
 corner are two rooms for the night inspectors, 12 feet 
 by 22, and 15 by 24. In the southwest corner is a 
 room, 10 feet by 13, for the engine for carrying the 
 fans by which the heated air is to be forced up. The 
 remainder of the rooms are for storage. They are 10£ 
 feet in height. 
 
 In the second story, the main feature is the grand 
 entrance vetsibule, or rotunda, 58 by 60, formed by 
 12 granite columns, 4 feet in diameter. From the 
 north and south sides rise two grand stair-cases, 15 
 feet wide at the bottom and 7 at the top, terminating 
 in smaller vestibules above, which connect with the 
 various offices in the third story. On the northeast 
 side of the grand vestibule are the assistant treasurer's 
 apartments, 19 feet by 22, 16 by»25, and 10 by 12, — 
 the latter being the vault, or Uncle Sam's strong box. 
 In the northwest corner, the measurers' apartment, 19 
 by 29, and 9 by 11. Next the superintendent's room, 
 12 by 16, and adjoining that, west, the room for the 
 markers and approvers of spirits, 12 by 15. In the 
 southwest corner are the rooms of the weighers and 
 gaugers, 22 by 33, and 15 by 12. Southeast corner, 
 two rooms for the inspectors, 40 by 33, and 8 by 12. 
 In one of these rooms are four 14 foot granite col- 
 umns. In most of the rooms in this story, the ceiling 
 is arched. 
 
 In the third story we find the great business room, 
 under the direction of the deputy collector. It is 62 
 feet by 58, and lighted from the dome and by six side 
 
13 
 
 windows, opening on the east and west, and two end 
 windows opening on lighted passages. The dome is 
 supported by twelve fluted Corinthian columns of mar- 
 ble, 29£ feet in height. Above them rises the dome 
 32 feet more. The lower circumference of the dome 
 is 195 feet. The circumference of the eye of the dome 
 is 56.^ feet, and is furnished with beautifully variegated 
 stained glass, which sends down a flood of mellowed 
 Jight. This is said to be the most perfect and superb 
 hall, in the Corinthian style, to be found in the United 
 States. 
 
 On the northwest corner, on this floor, are the col- 
 lector's apartments, 28 by 19, and 9 by 12. North- 
 east corner, the naval officers, 19 by 24, and 11 by 
 25. Southeast corner, the surveyor's, 27 by 19, and 
 11 by 9. Southwest corner, the public storekeeper's, 
 25 by 19. 
 
 In the attic are an extra room for the markers, 11 
 by 18 ; a room for storing papers belonging to the col- 
 lector's office, 64 by 19, and another of the same dim- 
 ensions, for the papers of the surveyor's office. 
 
 Throughout the building the flooring is stone. 
 
 Directly between the Custom House and the spec- 
 tator is a large stone building, occupied by the Boston 
 Museum ; it is an immense granite edifice, covering 
 about 20,000 feet of land, which was erected in 1846 
 for the express purpose, at a cost of upwards of two 
 hundred thousand dollars. The collection is exceed- 
 ingly curious and valuable, comprising nearly half a 
 million objects of interest, embracing every variety of 
 bird, quadruped, reptiles, insects, shells, minerals and 
 fossils ; an extensive gallery of costly paintings, en- 
 gravings, and statuary, together with an innumerable 
 variety of rare and curious specimens of nature and art 
 from all parts of the world. The collection is admir- 
 ably arranged for inspection, and with the extreme 
 order and neatness everywhere observed, has risen to 
 
14 
 
 be one of the most prominent places of interest to 
 strangers visiting the city. Connected with this insti- 
 tution, in the adjoining large building, is a spacious 
 hall, where splendid performances are given every 
 evening, and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, 
 free of charge to visitors of the Museum. 
 
 In the rear of the Museum is the Court House, 
 which is a beautiful granite building. This building 
 is so capacious that at times eiyht Courts are all in 
 session, without interfering with one another. To 
 the ris»ht of the Court House is the City Hall, which 
 was formerly used for a court house ; it was remodeled 
 for the use of the City Government about the year 
 1840. 
 
 A little to the left of Faneuil Hall Marie et, and near 
 the spectator, is seen the top of the church in Brattle 
 street ; in the front of this church is to be seen a can- 
 non ball embedded in the brick ; the ball was fired by 
 the American army stationed in Cambridge, on the 
 night previous to the evacuation, March 17th, 1776. 
 The ball was picked up and firmly fixed in the cavity 
 it had formed. 
 
 The church with the high steeple, to be seen from 
 this window, is the beautiful Gothic church in which 
 the Rev. Mr. Robbins preaches. 
 
 The little Gothic church directly beneath the spec- 
 tator's eye, is the Swedenborgian church. The " Old 
 South " is the first church on the right, near the 
 spectator, and is at the corner of Washington and 
 Milk streets. During the Revolution the pews of this 
 church were taken out and used for fuel by the British 
 soldiers, and the building itself converted into a rid- 
 ing school, for the dragoons belonging to Burgoyne's 
 army. 
 
 To the right of the City Hall, nearer the spectator, 
 is the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's Hall, 
 
15 
 
 and to the right of that is the Tremont Temple (for- 
 merly the Tremont Theatre,) immediately in front of 
 which is the Tremont House. The building intended 
 for the Boston Athenaeum is the large building in pro- 
 cess of erection directly beneath the spectator's eye, 
 on Beacon street. The fartherest point of land to be 
 seen from this window, on the left, is Nahant. The 
 hotel is seen distinctly, and is distant about nine 
 miles. 
 
16 
 
 SOUTH WINDOW. 
 
 Castle Tsland and Fort Independence can be seen 
 from this window, directly over the spire of Federal 
 Street Church. To the right, on a long island, 
 (Thompson's Island,) is the Farm School, belonging 
 to the City, where any person can place iheir boys at 
 school, and have them labor upon a farm during a cer- 
 tain number of hours each day. Directly in front of 
 this island stand the City Prisons, being the Houses 
 of Correction, Reformation, and Industry, togeiher 
 with the Insane Hospital. The House of Correction 
 is devoted to the punishment of those convicted of 
 crimes in the Police Court of the City ; the Municipal 
 Court has, likewise, the power to imprison felons 
 here, for a term not exceeding nine years ; all beyond 
 that time go to the State Prison. The House of In- 
 dustry is for the support and relief of the virtuous 
 poor, who seek this refuge from misfortune or age. 
 The House of Reformation is for the punishment of 
 juvenile offenders who have not arrived at years of 
 discretion ; the Institution is, undoubtedly, one of the 
 best in the Commonwealth. The Lunatic Asylum 
 went into operation in 1839, and has proved to be of 
 great utility. Strangers wishing to visit these Insti- 
 tutions, should procure a permit from one of the 
 Directors or from some member of the City Govern- 
 ment. To the right of the Prison, on a hill, is the 
 " Perkins Institute and Massachusetts Asylum for 
 the Blind." This is the first institution of the kind 
 established in the United States. It was commenced 
 in 1832, under the direction of Dr. S. G. Howe. The 
 object is, to instruct the young blind in all the common 
 branches of education, which is done by means of books 
 
17 
 
 printed in raised letters, embossed maps, globes, mu- 
 sic, etc. In 1833, Thomas H. Perkins, Esq., gave to 
 this Institution his Mansion House, in Pearl street, 
 valued at $35,000, on condition that $50,000 more 
 should be raised from other sources, which was imme- 
 diately done by the Ladies of Boston, Salem, and oth- 
 er places. The Ladies of Boston gave a Fair for this 
 purpose, the net proceeds of which amounted to over 
 $ 12,000. In 1839 the estate in Pearl street was ex- 
 changed for the present spacious and elegant edifice, 
 known as the Mount Washington House, which is sit- 
 uated on one of the hills that was fortified by order of 
 Washington, during the occupation of Boston by the 
 British ; the breast-works upon the top are now re- 
 maining. 
 
 In the background is Quincy. The town to the 
 right of Quincy is Dorchester ; and to the. right of 
 Dorchester is Roxbury. The Boston and Providence 
 Railroad, and the Boston and Worcester Railroad 
 cross each other in the open marsh on the right ; the 
 Providence Railroad runs directly from the spectator. 
 In Boston, the church on the extreme left is Federal 
 Street Church, where the late Rev. Dr. Charming 
 preached. The church close to the spectator is Park 
 Street Church ; the residence of the Hon. Abbott 
 Lawrence is the second house from the top of this 
 street ; in rear of this house is the " Granary" Burial 
 Ground, where is a monument to the Franklin fam- 
 ily. To the right of the church, on Tremont street, 
 is the Masonic Temple, which is the rough granite 
 building. To the left of the Temple is seen St. 
 Paul's Church ; in range is seen the spire of the Bap- 
 tist Church in Rowe street ; the turrets of the Rev. 
 Mr. Waterston's Church are seen between the spec- 
 tator and the Rowe Street Church. To the left of 
 Park Street Church is seen Trinity Church, which is 
 a rough granite edifice, built in the massive Gothic 
 style. A little to the right of Trinity is Rev. Mr. 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 Young's Church, (where the late President Kirkland 
 formerly preached,) on Church Green, in the same 
 street ; to the right of that is Chauncey Place Church, 
 which belongs to the oldest religious society in Bos- 
 ton. Directly over a red brick turret, (Essex Street 
 Church,) is to be seen the Depot of the Boston and 
 Worcester and Western Railroad ; this is easily seen 
 by its extensive roof; and beyond that is seen the new 
 Catholic Church, in South Boston. The Depot of 
 the Old Colony Railroad is near the Depot of the 
 Worcester Road. Travelers now have the choice of 
 three different railroad routes to New York — the 
 Providence to Providence and Stonington ; the Wor- 
 cester to Norwich, and the Old Colony to Fall River. 
 To the left of the Essex Street Church and near the 
 spectator is seen the new Latin School-house. Two 
 buildings were formerly used for the boys who now 
 attend school in this building — one for the High 
 School, where boys could prepare, in the most thor- 
 ough manner, for almost any business in life ; and 
 another for the Latin School, where boys were fitted 
 for College. The Latin School was commenced in 
 School street in 1647. The Higk School was com- 
 menced in 1820. These Schools are the first in the 
 State, if not in the country. 
 
 The large brick building to the north of the Depot 
 is the United States Hotel, which is the largest in the 
 city. The church to the right of Essex Street Church 
 is in Hollis street, and is the one where Rev. Mr. Pier- 
 pont formerly preached. The Common, directly be- 
 neath the spectator's eye, contains about fifty acres, 
 and is valued by every class of citizens, as being the 
 only place in the city to which they can resort for 
 fresh air, and enjoyment. A recent article in one of 
 our city papers, justly remarks : " How pleasant and 
 significant is that name ! The Common ! Not the 
 Park, nor the Mall, but the Boston Common — a 
 place owned in common by all the citizens of Boston, 
 
19 
 
 and in which every citizen has a common right and 
 interest ; a place where the rich and poor may meet 
 together and enjoy the common bounties of Heaven — 
 fresh air, green grass, and waving trees ; a place set 
 apart for the common good and happiness of the citi- 
 zens of Boston. How rich a boon is even this one 
 breathing-place to our city ! And as we stroll along 
 its walks and witness the amount of happiness which 
 this one piece of common ground can afford, we can- 
 not but bless the memory of those to whom we are in- 
 debted for the gift of the Boston Common. It is not 
 boys and girls alone that are made happier and 
 healthier by this sweet Common. There are scores 
 of men and women too, who, having been pent up all 
 day between brick walls, refresh their w r eary bodies, 
 invigorate their jaded minds, and we hope improve 
 their hearts, by an evening's stroll along the walks of 
 Boston Common." 
 
 At the further right hand corner of the Common is 
 the Depot of the Boston and Providence Railroad. 
 The great elm, standing south of the Pond, on the 
 Common, was planted by an ancestor of Governor 
 Hancock's family, by the name of Henchman. Its 
 age can never be ascertained, as the trunk is hollow, 
 so that boys actually went in and out at pleasure, ac- 
 cording to tradition, within fifty or sixty years; the 
 concentric circles marking its growth are therefore 
 obliterated. It is about 65 feet high ; extent of its 
 branches, latterly, about 90 feet, and its girth, a littla 
 above the ground, nearly 22 feet. 
 
20 
 
 WEST WINDOW. 
 
 Directly beneath the eye, on the left, is the house 
 that was owned and occupied by John Hancock ; it is 
 easily noticed by its antique appearance, being built of 
 rough stone. The bridge in front is the Western Av- 
 enue. Previous to the building of this bridge, which 
 is entirely solid, all the lowlands to the south of it 
 were overflowed by the tide, with as much water as 
 there is now on the north side. A great many houses 
 are now built on land so reclaimed. The buildings on 
 the left of the farther end of the Avenue are known 
 by the name of the City Mills. Directly over them is 
 seen the town of Brookline. The water in front is 
 Charles River. Cambridgeport is on the right. The 
 church in front is the Charles Street Baptist Church, 
 where the Rev. Dr. Sharp preaches. Directly in the 
 range of the Church is seen the town of Brighton. 
 By carefully observing the horizon, a little to the 
 right of the Church, on a clear day, the Wachusett 
 Mountain can be seen. It is about 210 feet high, and 
 is in the town of Princeton. 
 
21 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE HOUSE. 
 
 The corner-stone of this edifice was laid July 4th, 
 1795, 9 n land formerly owned by Governor Hancock, 
 near the top of Beacon Hill. (This hill, which was 
 originally 150 feet above high water mark, was 
 in 1804 leveled, the monument taken down, and the 
 four slabs which formed the base, now remain to be 
 seen at the foot of the stairs leading to the cupola.) 
 This building is of an oblong form, 173 feet front and 
 51 deep. It consists of a basement story 20 feet high, 
 and a principal story 30 feet. This is the centre of 
 the front ; is covered with an attic 60 feet wide, 20 
 feet high, which is covered with a pediment. Imme- 
 diately above this, rises a dome 52 feet in diameter, 
 and 35 feet high ; the whole terminates with an ele- 
 gant circular lantern, 25 feet high, supporting a gilded 
 pine-cone. The lower story is finished plain on the 
 wings, with square windows. The centre is 94 feet 
 in length, and formed of arches which project 14 feet; 
 they form a covered walk below, and support a colon- 
 nade of Corinthian columns of the same extent above. 
 The outside walls are of large patent bricks. 
 
 The lower story is divided into a large hall, or pub- 
 lic walk, in the centre, 50 feet square and 20 feet 
 high, supported by Duric columns. In the centre, 
 and on the north side of this story, is placed the 
 highly finished Statue of Washington, which will 
 he noticed in another place. 
 
 Two entries open at each end, 16 feet wide, with 
 two flights of stairs in each ; on both sides of which 
 are offices. On the west wing, the secretary's depart- 
 ment in front, and the adjutant-general's in the rear. 
 On the east win°, the treasurer's department in front, 
 and the land agent's and library in the rear. 
 
22 
 
 In 1846, for the further accommodation of the libra- 
 ry, the legislature made an appropriation for the fin- 
 ishing of a room in the basement story, under the west 
 wing. The library is accessible to the members of the 
 general court, at all times. 
 
 The rooms above are, the representatives' Jiall in 
 the centre, 55 feet square. This hall is finished with 
 Doric columns on two sides, 12 feet from the floor, 
 forming galleries ; the Doric entablatures surround 
 the whole ; from this spring four flat arches on the 
 side, which, being united by a circular cornice above, 
 form in the angles four large pendants to a bold and 
 well-proportioned dome. The pendants are ornament- 
 ed with emblems of commerce, agriculture, peace, and 
 war. Directly over the speaker's chair, on the north 
 side of the hall, is placed the State arms, and, a little 
 above, may be seen the gilded eagle, just ready to fly, 
 having in his beak a large scroll, wiih the following 
 inscription, in large gilt letters : " God save the Com- 
 monwealth of Massachusetts." On the south side, 
 opposite to the eagle, is the mammoth codfish, an em- 
 blem of the fisheries of Massachusetts, formerly in the 
 old State House. 
 
 The centre of the dome is 50 feet from the floor ; 
 the speaker's chair is placed on the north side ; the 
 clerk on the right of the speaker : the permanent seats, 
 in a semicircular form, are so arranged as to accommo- 
 date 300 members on the floor ; the front west gallery 
 is for the use of members of the legislature ; the rear 
 gallery for the use of the public ; east front gallery for 
 the ladies ; the rear gallery for the public. 
 
 In the east wing is the senate chamber, 55 feet long, 
 33 wide, and 30 high, highly finished in the Ionic or- 
 der ; two screens support, with entablatures, a rich 
 and elegant arched ceiling. This room is also orna- 
 mented with Ionic pilasters, and with the arms of the 
 State, and of the United States, placed in opposite 
 panels. Directly opposite tiie door, is placed the pres- 
 
23 
 
 ident's chair ; on the right and left, are seated the 
 members, beginning with the oldest member in office 
 on the right of the president. Forty members in this 
 branch of the legislature. 
 
 In the west wing is the council chamber, 27 feet 
 square, and 20 high, with a flat ceiling ; the walls are 
 finished with Corinthian pilasters, and panels of stucco. 
 These panels are enriched with State arms, with em- 
 blems of executive power, the scale and sword of jus- 
 tice, and the insignia of arts and freedom, the caduceus 
 and cap of liberty ; the whole decorated with wreaths 
 of oak and laurel. In the rear of this room, on the 
 same floor, is a small room, called the governor's 
 room, and the antechamber for the use of the commit- 
 tees of the council. 
 
 Besides these principal rooms, there are twenty-five 
 smaller, for the use of the several committees. The 
 cost of this building amounted to $ 133,333.33. It 
 was first occupied by the legislature on the 11th Jan- 
 uary, 1798. 
 
 The foundation of this edifice is 110 feet above the 
 level of the sea ; its elevation and size make it a very 
 conspicuous object. Two flights of stairs lead to the 
 top of the outer dome, 170 steps from the lower floor. 
 The view from this dome, which is 230 feet above the 
 level of the sea, affords one of the most interesting and 
 beautiful spectacles. Ii is free to ihe public at all times, 
 with the exception of Sundays, Thanksgiving and Fast 
 days, by order of the General Court. 
 
 Visitors to the cupola, for three last years, 1845, 6, 
 and 7, average 50,000 per annum. 
 
24 
 
 THE STATUE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 The plan for erecting a monument to the memory of 
 Washington, in Boston, first originated with gentlemen 
 who had been associated with him in early life. 
 
 A meeting was called, and a society organized, un- 
 der the title of the Washington Monument Association, 
 April 27,' 1811. 
 
 The sum of $ 16,000 was subscribed by the time 
 the statue was finished. It cost, together with the pe- 
 destal and the temple in which it is placed, $ 15,000. 
 
 As the visitor enters the State House, at the south 
 front, he beholds the statue, through the arched pas- 
 sage way that leads from the Doric hall to the apart- 
 ment where it is placed. 
 
 The authorities of the State signified their accept- 
 ance of the statue, on the 8th of January, 1828, when 
 it was "Resolved, that the legislature of this Com- 
 monwealth accept the Statue of Washington, upon 
 the terms and conditions on which it is offered by the 
 trustees of the Washington Monument Association, 
 and entertain a just sense of the patriotic feeling of 
 those individuals who have done honor to the State, 
 by placing in it a statue of the man whose life was 
 among the greatest of his country's blessings, and 
 whose fame is her proudest inheritance." 
 
 PD 18 l 
 
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 m 
 
 Boston Museum. 
 
 (Continued from second page of cover.) 
 
 ONE THOUSAND COSTLY PAINTINGS, 
 
 and rare and valuable ENGRAVINGS, among which 
 are Sully's great Picture of 
 
 Washington Crossing the Delaware. 
 
 Portraits of the Governors of Massachusetts and all 
 the Presidents, &c, painted by the best artists lining 
 the walls in every part, and with the unique Statuary, 
 Egyptian, Indian and Polynesian, Relics, &c, swell- 
 ing to the numbers of nearly 
 
 Five Hundred Thousand Articles, 
 
 comprising every conceivable 
 
 RARE AND CURIOUS THING, 
 
 that can interest or amuse, and among which visitors 
 will always find something that is 
 
 NEW, STRANGE & INSTRUCTIVE, 
 
 The most liberal arrangements having been made both 
 in the old country and this for procuring living 
 novelties, such as 
 
 Giants, Dwarfs, Ourang Outangs, &c. 
 
 The entire of this gigantic collection is on exhibition, 
 every day, and through the evening 
 
 SPLENDIDLY ILLUMINATED WITH GAS! 
 in addition to which every Evening, and on "Wednes- 
 day and Saturday afternoons for the accommodation of 
 
 strangers, a series of 
 
 Theatrical and Musical Performances, 
 
 Consisting either of 
 
 Sterling and witty Comedies, 
 
 Thrilling and Ingenious Dramas, 
 Soul Inspiring Operas, 
 Mirth moving Farces, 
 
 or Gorgeous Spectacles, 
 are enacted in the 
 
 (See next page.) 
 
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 5 Boston Museum. § 
 
 p {Continued from third page of cover.) ^ 
 
 f MAG^rX3PXG3e^TT 3SXB:XBXTX03r I 
 I XCAXX, 5 
 
 ^ by performers of acknowledged talent, aided by an £ 
 ^ Orchestra unequaled in the Union, and with $ 
 
 I SCENIC & STAGE ARRANGEMENTS £ 
 
 5 that cannot be surpassed ! Every department being ^ 
 b under the immediate direction of the most c 
 
 I TALENTED ARTISTS OF THE PROFESSION, | 
 
 ? the proprietor is enabled to defy < 
 
 § COMPETITION IN THEATRICALS ! S 
 
 S whether it be in regard to Quality, Quantity or Price. < 
 
 5 The most perfect cleanliness, order and decorum is < 
 £ maintained throughout the establishment, which has £ 
 £ secured it the reputation of being the c 
 
 p Cheapest Place of Amusement in the World, ^ 
 
 5 and to enable all visiting the city to examine not only ^ 
 9 the £ 
 
 % VAST COLLECTION OF CURIOSITIES, § 
 
 $ but also to witness the splendid, chaste and amusing ^ 
 5 entertainments the price of < 
 
 ?■'"■.•; § 
 
 g Admission to the Whole, < 
 
 | is only TWENTY-FIVE cts. Children half price. § 
 c? On ail Holidays and particularly £ 
 
 I ON THE FOURTH OP JULY, | 
 
 c Extraordinary attractions are presented and perform- S 
 S ances given at intervals throughout the entire day c 
 ? and evening. 5 
 
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