The French name Faneuil was given to this structure in honor of the wealthy merchant that funded its construction. Boston natives usually pronounce it to rhyme with manual or Daniel. The building was originally built in the 1740’s to house an open market on the ground floor and a meeting room on the floor above. In 1761 the building burned down. It was rebuilt the next year. Forty years later it was expanded to double its original height and width and a third floor was added. Today it is the hub of Boston’s shopping and dining experience. Park rangers offer daily talks every thirty minutes about the building’s history.
