The 10 Best Government Buildings in New England, New England

April 16, 2022 Lashaunda Abraham

Discover the best top things to do in New England, New England including Rhode Island State House, Old State House, Old State House, Vermont State House, Old Constitution House, Provincetown Town Hall, Massachusetts State House, New Hampshire State House, State Capitol, Connecticut State Capitol.
Restaurants in New England

1. Rhode Island State House

82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903-1105 +1 401-222-3983 [email protected] http://sos.ri.gov/publicinfo/tours/
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Rhode Island State House

This imposing marble building houses King Charles' 1663 charter of the Rhode Island colony.

Reviewed By Decaf7

Take the half hour free guided tour, worth your time. See the House and Senate chambers, the library, portraits of former governors, portrait of George Washington painted by our very own Gilbert Stuart and learn about the history of this beautiful building. Dome is a beautiful piece of architecture.

2. Old State House

800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103-2301 +1 860-522-6766 http://www.ctosh.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Old State House

The Old State House is a registered National Landmark and open to the public year-round. The restored historic chambers and grounds are now the site of events such as exhibits, a curiosity museum, hands-on history, guided/self-guided tours and more! Connecticut's Old State House is managed by the Connecticut General Assembly.

Reviewed By carmenmr47

Took our grandkids for a tour of history. This museum is beautifully kept, very informative , and preserves much of history. Loved it and will definitely return. The staff was very helpful and gracious

3. Old State House

206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109-1702 +1 617-720-1713 [email protected] http://www.bostonhistory.org
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,366 reviews

Old State House

Relive the drama and excitement of the American Revolution with fun and engaging programs and tours, interactive exhibits, beautifully restored period rooms and unsurpassed 18th century treasures. Celebrating 300 years as America's oldest and most historic colonial building, the Old State House is now Boston's Revolutionary Museum. Visit us at the heart of the Freedom Trail and only steps away from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market and the New England Aquarium.

Reviewed By TheAviator0765 - Ripon, United Kingdom

This really is a 'must-see' on the Trail. Not only is the building beautifully kept and steeped in history in its own right, the museum will guide you around the story of Boston and allow you to fully understand the part it and its people played in the War Of Independence. Access is via the Visitors' Centre desk in the gift shop. The fee is well worth it, for inside the exhibits and interpretation boards describe clearly and in chronological order what happened in the famous city. Now as a Brit, I was curious on what slant the events would be described, but rest assured the story is sold factually without a hint of partisanship. That said, I fully recognise George III was best described as an absent landlord who saw the Colonies as a cash-cow, while the British Army's idea of defence diplomacy of the era was to pour more fuel onto the nearest available spark! But the collection of exhibits in its own right amounts to a truly fascinating collection. There are also a number of tours throughout the day. Do try and catch one; the briefers are knowledgable and full of enthusiasm, and add immensely to the overall experience. There is a gift shop on the ground floor, well stocked with good quality and interesting products; all things to do with the Revolution. Plan to spend at least an hour here. It's not a 'poke head inside and tick off' kind of place. We spent nearly two hours here, but felt much the richer for it.

4. Vermont State House

115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633-0004 +1 802-828-2228 http://legislature.vermont.gov
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Vermont State House

Gold dome building located in Montpelier.

Reviewed By DWoerner - Georgetown, United States

The Vermont State Capitol Building in Montpelier is a stunning and classic building in a beautiful setting. The building dates to 1859, is finely detailed, and contains a small state museum which features Montpelier native Admiral George Dewey from the Spanish American War of 1898. The surrounding area is also picturesque, across the street from the Capitol Building is a string of about 5 or 6 fine old Victorian-era houses, many of which now house Vermont state departments and a visitor center with free coffee and restrooms. The entire area is surrounded by nice trees with fall color.

5. Old Constitution House

U.S. Route 5 - Main Street, Windsor, VT +1 802-672-3773
Excellent
73%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Old Constitution House

Windsor's first preserved building.

Reviewed By Wombat27_11 - Brattleboro, United States

I am embarrassed to admit that although I have lived in Vermont for over 35 years, and driven past Constitution House many times, I only visited it today. That’s a pity, because coming here is a good grounding experience for knowing what Vermont values and Vermonters are all about. It was here in 1777 that the people of this area defined their freedom from England and from the newly established United States, establishing the free republic of Vermont. (which existed until 1791 when Vermont was the first state admitted to the Union). Key elements of that constitution forbid slavery, and established universal male suffrage without qualification of wealth or property ownership. It is no small wonder then that the state motto is Freedom and Unity. And it is no surprise that with such a grounding this is the State that was first to legalize same-sex Civil Unions! The building has been moved twice, and has had some modifications over the years, but it has been well preserved. The exhibits, while small, help to define that Vermont spirit that appeals to so many. Bill,the docent, was excellent in bringing history to life. An excellent place to include on your travels!

6. Provincetown Town Hall

260 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657-2299 +1 508-487-7000 http://buildingprovincetown.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/106-bradford-street
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Provincetown Town Hall

Provincetown's municipal center also contains 30 pieces of art donated by local artists.

Reviewed By KeithLampmanPerlman - Provincetown, United States

Grand old building, still an operating town hall, with offices on the lower floor. The community space and concert hall, complete with wraparound balcony (best acoustics for musical events), are old-world, wooden living history.

7. Massachusetts State House

24 Beacon St Beacon Hill, Boston, MA 02133-1099 +1 617-727-3676 http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/massachusettshouse.asp
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 749 reviews

Massachusetts State House

Designed in 1798 by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, the historic building is dominated by a magnificent gold dome.

Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States

Presiding above Boston Common on Beacon Hill sits the "New" State House, designed by prominent architect Charles Bulfinch. The seat of Massachusetts government since 1798, Oliver Wendall Holmes proclaimed: "The Boston State House is the hub of the solar system". Designated a National Historic Landmark, it is considered a masterpiece of Federal Style architecture. Paul Revere covered its original wooden dome with copper, which was replaced with shimmering 23 karat gold leaf in 1997. Atop sits a pine cone, reflecting the logging history of Massachusetts. Art work, statuary, stained glass, mosaics, murals, marble floors and columns, sweeping staircases,coffered ceilings, exquisite details; this is a must see! Stately, stunning and impressive!

8. New Hampshire State House

107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301-4951 +1 603-271-2154 [email protected] http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/NH_Visitorcenter/whatwedo.htm
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 251 reviews

New Hampshire State House

NH's State House - with the oldest continuously used legislative chambers! Opened in June 1819! Home of the General Court of NH!

Reviewed By filmg

Full of nooks and crannies, this very old building exudes Yankee thrift and durability. Set amid the town, and not walled off from the flow of life, the capitol building screams New Hampshire. Live free or die!

9. State Capitol

State Street, Augusta, ME 04330-6845 +1 207-287-2301 http://legislature.maine.gov/lio/security-screening/9120
Excellent
46%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

State Capitol

Reviewed By skeelovr - Augusta, United States

Oh, if this place could talk, the stories it could tell! Impressive architecture, hallowed halls, historic art, beautiful grounds! Take a self-guided tour with the help of a pamphlet at the front service kiosk, or arrange for a free guided tour with a knowledgeable guide. Time well spent!

10. Connecticut State Capitol

210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106-1535 +1 860-240-0222 http://www.cga.ct.gov/capitoltours/
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Connecticut State Capitol

A tour of the gold-leaf-domed capitol includes the Hall of Flags and, when they're in session, a chance to see the state senate and house of representatives in action.

Reviewed By BillP1123 - Plainville, United States

This gold-domed (gold leaf) building was built from 1871-78 as designed by Richard M. Upjohn and Janes G Batterson (Eastlake style) and opened for the Legislature in 1878. It cost $2.35 million. Exterior marble is from East Canaan, CT and the granite is from Westerly, RI. The House and Senate Chambers are there. The House continues to use the original desks from 1878. Offices for the Governor, Lt. Gov., Sec of State are also there. A replica of the statue originally on the roof, the GENIUS OF CT ( R Rodgers) , is inside. This was originally the site of Trinity College. Many other stayed, Nathan Hale, Prudence Crandall, and others. Free one hour guided tours of both the Capitol & LOB are given and start from the LOB (Legislative Office Building) across the highway entrance also on Capitol Avenue which can be walked to above ground or via tunnel. Jan-June,Sept-Dec, M-F 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115 am July-August 915, 1015, 1115, 1215, 115, and 215 Closed on weekends.

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