Stop 2. Doric Hall. Doric Hall derives its name from the architectural style of its ten columns. It is located two floors beneath the dome and its appearance, although close to the original, was changed by a major restoration of the bull French front at the turn of the 20th century. The original Doric columns were pine tree trunks, which were carved on the front lawn of the statehouse.

The present columns installed as a fireproofing measure are copies made of practical iron and plaster. The front doors are the ceremonial doors and traditionally opened only on special occasions. Examples of which include the official visit of a sitting President of the United States or a foreign head of state the last day of a governor's term in office, or when a Massachusetts regimental flag is returned to the state house to be installed in our permanent collection.

Sitting presidents who visited the state House and for whom the front doors were opened include Monroe in 1817. Jackson in 1833. Tyler in 1843. Paulk in 1847. Grant in 1868. Hayes in 1888. And Taft in 1912.

As a main reception room, Derek Hall has served as the setting for uncounted formal and informal gatherings, including banquets, press conferences, swearing in ceremonies, and other special events. It was here at the beginning of the Civil War that arms, ammunition and other equipment were distributed to company after company of volunteers of the sixth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The men of the sixth assembled in front of the state house and received their colors from Governor John Andrew.

The units which arrived on April 19, 1861, in Washington, DC, were the first organized military assistance. The units, which arrived on April 19th, 1861, in Washington, D.C., were the first organized military assistance President Lincoln received in the Civil War.

Doric Hall contains portraits, statues and military artifacts, recalling many periods of Massachusetts history. The 1826 marble statue of George Washington by Sir Francis Chantry was the first to be placed in the statehouse. The statue was presented to the State house by the Washington Monument Association. Governor Andrew is memorialized in Thomas Ball's marble sculpture, located to the left of Washington.

He was a great friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln. Andrew was also influential in organizing the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the first all black regiment to serve during the Civil War. Across the room is a rare full length portrait of Abraham Lincoln painted around the 1900 by Albion Bicknell. The portrait is rare because it shows Lincoln standing up. Lincoln was very tall for his time and was quite self-conscious about it.

This painting, however, was painted 40 years after his death. The two Cannons beneath the Lincoln portrait commemorate the Concord Minutemen at the Battle of the North Bridge on April 19, 1775. The cannons on the opposite wall were used by the British East India Marine Company and are said to have been captured in the War of 1812. Between these cannons is a bronze bust of John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first governor elected after the adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth in 1780.

He was eventually elected to serve 11 one year terms.