Beacon Hill is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boston, and is the home of the Massachusetts State House. The term “Beacon Hill” is used locally to refer to the state government or the legislature itself, much like Washington DC’s “Capitol Hill” does at the federal level. Beacon Hill’s picturesque neighborhood features Federal style rowhouses, narrow gas-lit streets and brick sidewalks. Charles Street is Beacon Hill’s commercial center and is full of boutique retail shops and restaurants.