Massachusetts Hall was the first building constructed for Bowdoin College. In 1794 the Massachusetts Legislature approved the creation of the college, and in 1798 the college's board approved construction of this building. Unfortunately, the college did not have enough money to complete the building and the project halted after the construction of brick walls. In 1801 the college sold two of its townships in northern Maine and work resumed on the hall. Completed the following year, Massachusetts Hall originally featured a bell tower that was removed in 1836. Its raised hipped roof was added in 1873. The building retains its Federal-style elements, such as its symmetrical front facade anchored by a central entry with a paneled door topped with an elaborate fanlight and classical door surround with pilasters and a projecting cornice. It also has two interior end brick chimneys and its third floor windows are smaller in size than the others. The building currently houses Bowdoin College's English Department.
Year Listed: 1971
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=679779cf-1deb-49ce-89d2-1fd1cb5bb980