Faneuil Hall has been part of American history for over 250 years. In 1742 Boston's wealthiest merchant Peter Faneuil built Faneuil Hall and donated it as a gift to the city of Boston. Home to merchants, fishermen, shippers, seamen and meat and produce sellers, the hall has provided a platform for oration and debate for centuries. Colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and established the doctrine of "no taxation without representation". Firebrand Samuel Adams rallied the citizens of Boston for independence from Great Britain and President George Washington celebrated our country's first birthday there with a toast to the new nation. Nearby Quincy Market was added in 1826 and the Greek Revival structure remained a vital hub for business throughout the 1800's.
By the 1950's, the entire area was falling into disrepair, but in 1976 vital renovations upgraded the structures. Today dozens of shops, galleries and restaurants thrive there near the Liberty Trail in downtown Boston (considered by many to be the "Cradle of Liberty"). More about Faneuil Hall...