01
Historical event · 1780
Massachusetts Constitution Ratified (1780)
Drafted chiefly by John Adams and ratified June 15, 1780 — the oldest written constitution still in continuous effect anywhere in the world, and the model for the U.
What changed because of Massachusetts Constitution Ratified (1780)?
Massachusetts Constitution Ratified (1780) becomes legible through Massachusetts State House and John Hancock, then opens into Liberty Tree & the Stamp Act Riots (1765). Every step is a real civic connection.
The visible layerWhy?
Why this follows
Charles Bulfinch’s 1798 capitol crowned with a dome gilded in 23-karat gold; built on John Hancock’s former cow pasture.
92% confidence · 2 sourcesA human storyWhy?
Why this follows
John Hancock extends the story from Massachusetts State House: built on his pasture.
92% confidence · 2 sourcesThe visible layerWhy?
Why this follows
Granary Burying Ground extends the story from John Hancock: buried here.
92% confidence · 5 sourcesA human storyWhy?
Why this follows
Samuel Adams extends the story from Granary Burying Ground: buried here.
92% confidence · 3 sourcesA historical hingeWhy?
Why this follows
Boston Tea Party (1773) extends the story from Samuel Adams: organized the meetings.
92% confidence · 2 sourcesA historical hingeWhy?
Why this follows
Liberty Tree & the Stamp Act Riots (1765) extends the story from Boston Tea Party (1773): the decade of resistance.
92% confidence · 2 sourcesRead the city asFounderFollow institutions, labs, companies, and invention spillover.VisitorStart with what makes the place legible fast.StudentFollow campus rhythms, libraries, food, and late-night edges.LocalSurface the everyday rituals and quieter second looks.HistorianPrioritize older layers, people, and civic memory.Food loverLet restaurants, cafes, markets, and neighborhood rituals lead.ParentFavor safe, walkable, campus-adjacent understanding.ArchitectTrace buildings, campuses, edges, and visible civic form.RunnerRead the city through parks, paths, bridges, and distance.
Open the connections
Why each step follows
02
Building / Landmark · 1798Massachusetts State House
Charles Bulfinch’s 1798 capitol crowned with a dome gilded in 23-karat gold; built on John Hancock’s former cow pasture.
The visible layer · 1 min walk03
Person · 1737John Hancock
John Hancock extends the story from Massachusetts State House: built on his pasture.
A human story · 3 min walk04
Building / Landmark · 1660Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground extends the story from John Hancock: buried here.
The visible layer · 1 min walk05
Person · 1722Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams extends the story from Granary Burying Ground: buried here.
A human story · 6 min walk06
Historical event · 1773Boston Tea Party (1773)
Boston Tea Party (1773) extends the story from Samuel Adams: organized the meetings.
A historical hinge · 12 min walk07
Historical event · 1765Liberty Tree & the Stamp Act Riots (1765)
Liberty Tree & the Stamp Act Riots (1765) extends the story from Boston Tea Party (1773): the decade of resistance.
A historical hinge · 12 min walkMake it walkable
The story on foot
Jump back in time
The older layer
1660 · Granary Burying GroundThe 1660 burying ground holding Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the victims of the Boston Massacre — roughly 5,000 burials beneath 2,300 markers.1686 · King's ChapelFounded in 1686 as the first Anglican church in New England; the granite building of 1754 holds the oldest pulpit in continuous use in the United States.1722 · Samuel AdamsBrewer, agitator and master political organizer (1722–1803) — architect of the Sons of Liberty, the committees of correspondence, and the meetings that became the Tea Party.1723 · Crispus AttucksSailor of African and Wampanoag descent (c.1729 · Old South Meeting HouseThe 1729 meeting house where over 5,000 colonists gathered on December 16, 1773 — the meeting that ended with the Boston Tea Party.
Ask who shaped this
The human story
Samuel AdamsBrewer, agitator and master political organizer (1722–1803) — architect of the Sons of Liberty, the committees of correspondence, and the meetings that became the Tea Party.John HancockBoston’s richest merchant and the Revolution’s banker (1737–1793); president of the Continental Congress, first signer of the Declaration, first governor of Massachusetts.Paul RevereNorth End silversmith, engraver and revolutionary courier (1735–1818), immortalized by Longfellow’s 1860 poem about his midnight ride.Crispus AttucksSailor of African and Wampanoag descent (c.