Town House (first) is built.

[1658] It is located on the former site of the Robert Keayne House at today’s 206 Washington Street. The first public building in Boston, its construction is supported by a 200-pound bequest from the merchant for a building “for Merchants, Mr of Shipps and Strangers as well as the Towne . . . to meet in.” The wooden building, erected on ten-foot pillars with an open ground floor for merchants to gather for the daily Exchange or ‘Change, includes second floor that houses the offices of the governor, legislature, and the court. A pillory and whipping post are erected in front. The General Court begins meeting here in 1659.* A public library is established in one of the rooms in 1673.* The building is destroyed in the Great Fire of 1711 and replaced in 1713.*