The Cradle of Liberty

In 1740, at a meeting held in Boston, merchant Peter Faneuil offered to build a public market house at his own expense and donate it as a gift to the city. His offer was accepted and the building which was partly funded by profits from slave trading was begun in Dock Square in September 1740, and completed in 1742. Built in the style of an English country market by artist John Smibert, the ground floor served as a market house with an assembly room above. Faneuil Hall was the site of several important speeches by Sam Adams, James Otis and other patriots encouraging independence from England thus earning the nickname, "the Cradle of Liberty." Through its illustrious 275 year history many other famous orators have spoken here among them Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, Wendell Phillips, Charles Francis Adams, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. In 1806, the hall was expanded by Charles Bulfinch which included the addition of a third floor.

Antique steel engraving of the famous market house and meeting hall in Boston. Executed by W.H. Bartlett & H. Griffiths. Overall size is 9 1/4 x 6. Circa mid 1800's. Excellent.