Established in 1742, Faneuil Hall initially served as Boston's marketplace and as a public space for Town Meeting, where the franchised voters of Boston exercised the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The Great Hall of Faneuil Hall was the location where debates leading to the American Revolution occurred, and in later years was utilized by those agitating for the end of slavery, equal rights for women, more just labor rights, protection of the environment, and improved health care. To this day Faneuil Hall is still a bustling marketplace and an active part of civic life in Boston.
