Old South Meeting House, Boston

The Old South Meeting House is known for its simple, unadorned design, which stood in contrast to the more ornate architecture of Anglican churches of the time. Built in 1729, it was the largest meeting place in colonial Boston and played a significant role in the events leading up to the American Revolution. The large interior hall served as a gathering place for town meetings, and it gained fame for hosting fervent speeches by the Sons of Liberty, a group of American patriots who protested British taxation and other grievances.

One of the most notable events that took place at the Old South Meeting House occurred on December 16, 1773, during a candlelit protest rally against the British Tea Act. Samuel Adams, a prominent figure in the American Revolution, delivered a speech at the meeting house and flashed a signal that led to the Boston Tea Party later that night when colonists, disguised as Native Americans, boarded British ships and dumped tea into Boston Harbor as a protest against British taxation without representation. In retaliation, the British occupied the Old South Meeting House, using it as an officers' tavern and stable.

Fortunately, the building was saved from destruction and eventually became a museum in 1877. Today, it offers a series of lectures covering various New England topics and hosts chamber music concerts and other musical performances. The museum shop features a wide range of merchandise, including "Boston Tea Party" tea.

Across Washington Street from the Old South Meeting House, you can find a memorial to the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1849, created by sculptor Robert Shure and added to the square in 1998.