Stop 1. State House Model. The model of the 1798 state House or both in front is an accurate representation lacking only the chimneys and side entrances which were removed in the mid 1850s. The major difference between the model and the building at that time is the color of the dome. In 1798, the dome was shingled and painted gray, and it was not until 1802 that Paul Revere and Sons copied the dome to prevent water leakage.

In 1874, the dome was gilded with 23 karat gold leaf for the first time. The cost was around $3,000. The most recent gilding in 1997 cost $300,000. Most of the wood used to build the original Bolton front came from Maine, which was part of Massachusetts until 1820. The pine cone atop the cupola above the dome symbolizes the importance of the lumber industry to the early New England economy.

Just 80 years after its dedication, the State House proved to be too small. The legislature defeated a proposal to build a new state house in the geographic center of Massachusetts and voted instead to expand the existing one. A large extension built in yellow brick was added to the back of the Bull Finch State House between 1889 and 1900.

It was designed by Charles Brigham, who made extensive use of marble wrought iron and carved wooden paneling in the elegant interior. The most recent addition, which was built between 1914 and 1917, are the two white marble wings to the east and west of the state house. They were designed by William Chapman, Robert, Andrew and Eclipse and Sturgis. They contain many of the House and Senate legislative offices.