Massachusetts Hall, Boston

Massachusetts Hall, the granddaddy of Harvard buildings, has been standing tall since 1720, back when the USA was just a twinkle in the eye of the British Empire. One of the oldest academic structures in the entire country, this architectural relic flaunts an Early Georgian style, with red brick walls and white accents that practically scream "colonial charm."

Originally, it was a kind of “Harvard Hilton,” hosting 64 students in 32 rooms (or “chambers” as they called them back then) and 64 tiny studies. But here's where it gets interesting – during the Siege of Boston, from 1775 to 1776, this dormitory did double duty as a barracks, housing over 640 American soldiers.

At some point, Massachusetts Hall played host to some pretty famous folks, too. John Adams, who would later become 2nd President of the United States, once settled here on the third floor. Other founding fathers like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, and James Otis all pulled up a bunk here whilst grinding away at their studies. These walls practically oozed revolutionary ideas – indeed, who needs a lecture hall when you've got heated debates happening in your dorm room?

Nowadays, Massachusetts Hall has gone through a bit of a career change. It houses the bigwigs of Harvard, namely: the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Provost, all having their offices on the first and second floors. Meanwhile, the third floor has gone back to its roots, serving as a dormitory for bright-eyed, bushy-tailed freshmen, because why let a little thing like age slow you down?