Welcome to Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the oldest states in the country, having achieved statehood on February 2, 1788 making it the sixth state.  It is also one of the smallest states in the union, forty-forth, encompassing 10,555 square miles.  According to its state charter, it is officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Five states border Massachusetts: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  The state’s name derives from a local Indian tribe and means “at the great hill”.  Some of its largest cities are Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge.   The first Europeans to settle New England landed in present-day Massachusetts. These settlers were Pilgrims and Puritans from England seeking religious freedom. The majority of early settlers came from within 60 miles of Haverhill, England. They founded Plymouth, Salem, and Boston, which soon became the hub of the region. A century and a half later, Massachusetts became known as the 'Cradle of Liberty' for the revolutionary ferment in Boston that helped spawn the war of the Thirteen Colonies for independence. During the nineteenth century, Massachusetts transformed itself from a mainly agricultural economy to a manufacturing one, making use of its many rivers for power to operate factories for shoes, furniture, and clothing. Its economy declined in the early twentieth century when industry moved south in search of cheaper labor. A revitalization came in the 1970s when, nourished by the graduates of the area's many elite institutions of higher education, the Boston suburbs (particularly those around Route 128) became home to dozens of high-tech companies.   Massachusetts' colleges and universities, as well as its technology sectors, continue to thrive. The state is also considered a haven for progressive, liberal thought and often sends political candidates to the national scene. Massachusetts was the home state of 4 US Presidents John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy and George H. W. Bush; however, two of its last presidential aspirants, Michael Dukakis and John Kerry, were unsuccessful.  In keeping with its progressive image, as of 2006, Massachusetts is the only state in the union to legalize marriage between gay and lesbian couples.   The children of Massachusetts have been quite successful in getting the state to recognize all kinds of “state symbols”.  Among them, the state insect—the ladybug; the state dog—Boston Terrier; and the state dessert—Boston Cream Pie (of course).  Massachusetts also claims the Navy Bean as the state bean, due to its place of honor in Boston Baked Beans.   More interestingly, perhaps, are the state’s heroes: Johnny Appleseed and Deborah Samson. In October of 1778 Deborah Samson of Plympton, Massachusetts disguised herself as a young man and presented herself to the American army as a willing volunteer to oppose the common enemy. She enlisted for the whole term of the war as Robert Shirtliffe and served in the company of Captain Nathan Thayer of Medway, Massachusetts.  For three years she served in various duties and was wounded twice - the first time by a sword cut on the side of the head and four months later she was shot through the shoulder. Her sexual identity went undetected until she came down with a brain fever, then prevalent among the soldiers. The attending physician, Dr. Binney, of Philadelphia, discovered her charade, but said nothing. Instead he had her taken to his own home where she would receive better care.   Massachusetts has always been a key state, with revolution, heroes and heroines, presidential candidates, and top-notch universities.

Fast Facts Nickname:  Bay State Population:  6,349,097 Economy   Agriculture: seafood, nursery stock, cranberries   Industry:  machinery, scientific instruments, printing & publishing Motto:  “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” Highest Point:  Mt. Greylock 3, 491 ft Lowest Point:  Atlantic Coast Flower:  Mayflower Bird:  black-capped chickadee Beverage:  cranberry juice Song: All Hail to Massachusetts Sport:  Basketball (invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith—Springfield teacher