Massachusetts
Capital: Boston
History
Massachusetts is the "heart" of New England one is of the original 13 colonies. Boston, the state capital, had many important activities of the American Revolutionary War. Massachusetts became apart of the United States on February 6, 1788. It was the sixth state to join the Union. Massachusetts was acquired from King George the Second. The area of Massachusetts is known for the landing of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.
STATE SYMBOLS
State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee
State Flower: Mayflower
State Cat: Tabby Cat
State Tree: American Elm
State Fish: Atlantic Cod
State Dessert: Boston Cream Pie
State Cookie: Chocolate Chip
State Marine Mammal: Right Whale
PLACES TO SEE PLACES TO GO
Freedom Trail
Where is this located? Boston
What brings tourists to this area: The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick path through downtown Boston that passes by 16 locations important to the history of the United States. William Schofield had the idea in 1951 to make this walking trail. The trail begins at Boston Commons and end at Bunker Hill, it does not include the Boston Tea Party. When you first start the walk, you can get an audio guide, a tour guide, or self-guide through the sites. You should probably have a planned day just for the trail, it will take all day. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Salem Witch Trial Museum
Where is this located? Salem
What brings tourists to this area: Salem is north of Boston. It is known for the witch trails in 1692-1693. 200 people were accused of studying witchcraft, 30 of these people were found guilty and 19 of them were killed. The museum open in 1972 and is an old church during the witch trails times. It tells the story of the victims.
Plymouth Rock
Where is this located? Plymouth
What brings tourists to this area: Plymouth is south of Boston. Plymouth Rock is a boulder. It was were Pilgrims first landed in 1620. In 1774 they attempted to move the rock, and it broke. One half was displayed in a museum, the other was left in the original location. They are now joined together again. There is an exact replica of the Mayflower sometime anchored at the park.
STATE FACTS
Interesting Facts
-
State Nickname: Bay State
-
Origin of State Name: Indian word meaning "near the great little mountain"
-
State Song: "All Hail to Massachusetts"
​​
-
State Area:
-
10,555 sqmi
-
44th largest in US
-
-
Land:​
-
7,838 sqmi​
-
45th largest in US
-
-
Water:​
-
2,717 sqmi​
-
17th largest in US
-
-
Coastline:​
-
192 miles​
-
10th largest in US
-
-
Shoreline:​
-
1,519 miles​
-
15th largest in US
-
-
Population:​​​​​
-
​14th in US​
-
6,692,824 people
-