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Faneuil Hall has served as a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742. Funding was provided by a wealthy merchant, Peter Faneuil, for the construction and local artisan to create the grasshopper weather vane that still perches on the building's cupola. Inspirational speeches by Samuel Adams and other patriots were given at Faneuil Hall. These oratories became the footstool for America's desire to obtain independence from the British.
Faneuil Hall was expanded in 1806 by Charles Bulfinch. When Boston became a city the use of Faneuil Hall as a government meeting place came to an end, but it was still regularly used. Today, the first floor is still used as a lively marketplace and the second floor is a meeting hall where many Boston City debates are held. The fourth floor is maintained by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
| Location: | MBTA: Government Center, Haymarket, State |
| Hours of Operation: | Second floor meeting hall and market level information desk open daily 9:00am - 5:00pm. |
| Tours: | National Park Service rangers present historical talks every thirty minutes, 9:30am - 4:30pm, except when Hall is in use for special events. |
| Admission: | Free. |
| For More Information: | www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/ |
Content provided by The Freedom Trail Foundation
©2009 The City of Boston