Massachusetts is a state of revolutionary history, major cities, ocean coast, education, and enduring cultural influence.
15 Essential Facts About Massachusetts
1. Massachusetts became the sixth state on February 6, 1788.
Massachusetts became the sixth state on February 6, 1788.
2. Boston is the capital and largest city.
Boston is the capital and largest city.
3. The Bay State nickname refers to Massachusetts Bay.
The Bay State nickname refers to Massachusetts Bay.
4. Plymouth is tied to the Pilgrim story.
Plymouth is tied to the Pilgrim story.
5. The American Revolution began in Lexington and Concord.
The American Revolution began in Lexington and Concord.
6. The state motto is Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.
The state motto is Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.
7. Harvard was founded in 1636.
Harvard was founded in 1636.
8. The Boston Tea Party became an independence symbol.
The Boston Tea Party became an independence symbol.
9. Cape Cod and the islands shape the coast.
Cape Cod and the islands shape the coast.
10. The state has a major innovation and higher-education economy.
The state has a major innovation and higher-education economy.
11. The Salem witch trials remain a powerful historical caution.
The Salem witch trials remain a powerful historical caution.
12. The Massachusetts Constitution is among the world’s oldest written constitutions still in use.
The Massachusetts Constitution is among the world’s oldest written constitutions still in use.
13. Basketball was invented in Springfield.
Basketball was invented in Springfield.
14. The Berkshires add a western mountain landscape.
The Berkshires add a western mountain landscape.
15. Massachusetts has helped shape American politics, education, science, and culture.
Massachusetts has helped shape American politics, education, science, and culture.