State Street, formerly known as King Street, is a historic street in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1630, John Winthrop and the earliest Puritan settlers built their houses along the street. By 1636, the thoroughfare was known as Market Street, and it was renamed King Street from 1708 to 1784. In 1770, the Boston Massacre took place in front of the Old State House. The street was renamed after the American Revolution, and it became Boston's primary location for banks and other financial institutions during the 19th century.