Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall, one of the landmarks of Boston, dating to colonial days. It contains historical paintings and portraits, a library, and a military museum. The original hall was given to the city in 1742 by Peter Faneuil (1700–1743), a wealthy merchant, as a market and meeting place. This structure burned in 1761. A new hall was erected by the city in 1762–63 with funds raised in part by a lottery. The building's first story was used as a market while the upper story served as a town hall.
The hall was the scene of many stirring meetings during the Revolutionary period, and gained the name “Cradle of Liberty.” During occupation of the city, British officers used the hall as a theater. In 1805 the hall was widened and a third story was added. The building was extensively renovated in 1925.