A look into 177-235 State street

State Street in Boston is one of the oldest streets in the city. Located in the financial district, it is the site of some of the most historic landmarks Boston has to offer such as the Long Wharf, the Old State House and the Boston Custom House. In the 19th century State Street became a staple of Boston and is known as the primary place for banks and other financial institutions. What is still left of this parcel is currently home to the Harbor Side Inn, however, before diving into the present, it is important to explore the backstory of State Street and how it gained its prominence in Boston. 

State Street, specifically this parcel of State Street, is located directly next to Boston’s historic Long Wharf. The Long Wharf is known as one of Boston’s first primary shipping docks and is still used to this day. The Long Wharf gained much of its attraction as early as 1768 as a place for British soldiers to dock their ships. Soon after, the Long Wharf became a prominent place for commercial trade and ships would come in and out with large shipments of goods. The Long Wharf is conveniently located at the end of State Street, which allowed the street to be known as a hub for trade from the beginning. Throughout the 1800’s and 1900’s State street was under constant construction. Whether it was building skyscrapers or digging tunnels for the subway and East tunnel, State street was also at the center point of all of this commotion. The foundations that were laid in State Street in the 17th, 18th and 19th century are the reasons why it is still one of the most prominent streets in the financial district of Boston. It is and will forever be a primary hub for business for centuries to come.