Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked Boston to be the center of the universe. At the heart of this proud city is the state?s political and cultural symbol ? the Massachusetts State House.

Also known as the ?New? State House, the golden-domed capitol in the Beacon Hill neighborhood is the seat of government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It houses the offices of the Governor and his staff and the Massachusetts General Court, the state legislature. It was declared a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960.

The capitol is famed for its distinctive 23-carat gold dome. Atop it is a pine cone, which symbolizes Boston?s main economic resource ? lumber ? during the early colonial days. The state house?s fa?ade is adorned with statues of General Joseph Hooker (equestrian), Daniel Webster, John F. Kennedy, and Horace Mann.