Peter Faneuil gave this structure to the city of Boston in 1742. The correct pronunciation of the French name Faneuil is "fannel".

John Adams called Faneuil Hall 'The Cradle of Liberty.' Many town meetings were held here during the revolutionary era. In the plaza behind the hall stands the statue of Samuel Adams. Adams was an important patriot. He was such a forceful public speaker, he was called the "Man of the Town-Meeting."