Is the oldest State in New England, and is distinguished as having
been the first mover in the struggle for American Independence. It is
the first, except New York, in commerce, wealth, and manufactures. It
is the second commercial State in the Union. The state of society is
enlightened, and the advantages of education are universally enjoyed.
The land is uneven and hilly, and in the western part, mountainous. The
soil is fertile, except in the southeastern part, where it is sandy.
[Illustration: CITY HALL, BOSTON.]
Boston is the capital, and being the largest city in New England,
may properly be considered the metropolis of this whole section of
country. It is built upon a peninsula at the head of Massachusetts bay,
and has a most excellent harbor, capable of accommodating more than
five hundred vessels, while the entrance is so narrow that only two
ships can sail in, abreast. The wharfs are constructed with a degree
of expense and neatness far exceeding those of any other city in the
United States. The harbor is defended by forts, and contains one of
the United States’ naval stations. Boston has communication with the
surrounding country by means of seven bridges, all built of wood, with
the exception of the Western Avenue, which is built of stone and earth.
This city is noted for its literature, and for its many handsome public
and private buildings, among which may be named the State House, Quincy
Market, Tremont House, Masonic Temple, &c. The cut above gives a view
of the City Hall, which contains the Rooms of the Mayor, Aldermen,
and Council, Post Office, and City Treasurer and Clerk’s Offices.
This building was formerly the State House. In this venerated edifice
the _first legislative acts_ on the American revolution were debated
and acted upon. This continued to be the capitol until the year 1800,
when the present State House was built. This city is also celebrated
as containing Faneuil Hall, ‘the cradle of liberty,’ where the _first
popular assemblies_ were held, to discuss the question of Independence.
Salem, the next town in size, is considered the wealthiest town in the
United States.
Charlestown, is noted in the annals of the Revolution, as being the
place where the battle of Bunker Hill was fought.