Faneuil Hall, Slave Trader Donation (b/w photo)

After the project of erecting - public market house in Boston had been discussed for some years, merchant Peter Faneuil offered, at - public meeting in 1740, to build - suitable edifice at his own cost as - gift to the town. There was - strong opposition to market houses, and although - vote of thanks was passed unanimously, his offer was accepted by - majority of only seven. Funded in part by profits from slave trading, the building was begun in Dock Square in September of the same year. It was built by artist John Smibert in 1740-1742 in the style of an English country market, with an open ground floor serving as the market house, and an assembly room above.