Boston's Architectural Antiques: Unveiling the City's Oldest Dwellings
Ah, Boston. A city steeped in history, chowder, and accents that make "park the car" sound like an existential crisis. But beneath the modern skyscrapers and cries of "Red Sox!" lie whispers of the past, echoes of cobblestone streets and tricorn hats. And what whispers louder than an old-timey ghost? Why, the city's oldest buildings of course!
The Blake House: A 17th-Century Time Capsule
Forget your fancy iPhones and fidget spinners. The real OG gadget in Boston is the James Blake House, built in 1661. This two-story timber frame structure with a central chimney has seen it all, from colonial times to tourists snapping selfies on their selfie sticks (though we're pretty sure those weren't invented back then). It's like a real-life Instagram filter, but instead of Valencia, it's all "come hither" doilies and quill pens.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
Fun Fact: The Blake House even has its own resident ghost (allegedly). Maybe it's James Blake himself, checking in on his digs after all these years. Or perhaps it's just the creaky floorboards trying to spook the tourists.
The Old State House: Witness to History (and Maybe a Few Political Scandals)
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
While the Blake House is the granddaddy of houses, the Old State House, built around 1713, holds the crown for oldest public building. This stately structure once housed the Massachusetts General Court, which basically means it saw all the important decisions go down in colonial Boston. Think of it as the original House of Representatives, minus the fancy suits and lobbyists (although we wouldn't be surprised if there was some backroom bargaining back in the day).
Fun Fact: The Old State House balcony is the very spot where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the public in Boston. Pretty neat, huh? Now you can stand on the same spot and pretend you're hearing those historic words for the first time.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
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| What is The Oldest Building In Boston |
So, Which One Wins?
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That depends on your taste in antiquity. The Blake House offers a glimpse into colonial domestic life, while the Old State House is a monument to Boston's political history. They're both winners in our book, but hey, you pick your favorite architectural grandpa!
How-To FAQs:
- How to visit the James Blake House? Check out the Dorchester Historical Society website for tour times and info.
- How to visit the Old State House? Great news! The Old State House is free to enter and explore.
- How to impress your friends with Boston trivia? Casually drop the fact that the James Blake House is older than the state of Massachusetts itself.
- How to avoid looking like a lost tourist? Don't ask for directions to the "Oldy Moldy House." Just stick with "James Blake House" or "Old State House."
- How to travel back in time (without a DeLorean)? Visiting these historic buildings is a pretty good start!
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