Standing atop Beacon Hill is the Massachusetts State House. The original brick building is the oldest building in that particular location. The gilded dome that is prominently displayed over Boston was originally just wood. After a series of leaks, the dome was plated with copper, and to protect it from corrosion, painted gray. Later it was gilded in 1874. The top of the dome’s cone is there to represent the state of Maine, which at one time was a part of Massachusetts.

Doric Hall inside the Massachusetts State House is reserved for special occasions only. Only three events can cause the main doors to open. The most prominent event where the doors open is on the last day that the Governor of Massachusetts is in office. The tradition locally is known as the Long Walk, where the Governor leaves the Executive Chamber alone. He walks to the second floor, crosses through Doric Hall, and out the main doors. After leaving the State House, he crosses the street to the Boston Common where the people of Boston join him as he reenters life as a private citizen.