Daily Almanac for
Jul 25, 2008
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Massachusetts

Massachusetts flag

Capital: Boston

State abbreviation/Postal code: Mass./MA

Governor: Deval Patrick, D (to Jan. 2011)

Lieut. Governor: Timothy Murray, D (to Jan. 2011)

Senators: Edward M. Kennedy, D (to Jan. 2013); John F. Kerry, D (to Jan. 2009)

U.S. Representatives: 10

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of the Commonwealth: William F. Galvin, D (to Jan. 2011)

Treasurer: Timothy P. Cahill, D (to Jan. 2011)

Atty. General: Martha Coakley, D (to Jan. 2011)

Present constitution drafted: 1780 (oldest U.S. state constitution in effect today)

Entered Union (rank): Feb. 6, 1788 (6)

Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)

State symbols:

flowermayflower (1918)
treeAmerican elm (1941)
birdchickadee (1941)
song“All Hail to Massachusetts” (1966)
beveragecranberry juice (1970)
insectladybug (1974)
cookiechocolate chip (1997)
muffincorn muffin (1986)
dessertBoston cream pie (1996)

Nicknames: Bay State; Old Colony State

Origin of name: From Massachusett tribe of Native Americans, meaning “at or about the great hill”

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Boston, 559,034; Worcester, 175,898; Springfield, 151,732; Lowell, 103,111; Cambridge, 100,135; Brockton, 94,632; New Bedford, 93,102; Fall River, 91,802; Quincy, 90,250; Lynn, 88,792

Land area: 7,840 sq mi. (20,306 sq km)

Geographic center: In the town of Rutland in Worcester Co.

Number of counties: 14

Largest county by population and area: Middlesex, 1,459,011 (2005); Worcester, 1,513 sq mi.

State forests and parks: 450,000 ac.

Residents: Bay Stater

2005 resident population est.: 6,398,743

2000 resident census population (rank): 6,349,097 (13). Male: 3,058,816 (48.2%); Female: 3,290,281 (51.8%). White: 5,367,286 (84.5%); Black: 343,454 (5.4%); American Indian: 15,015 (0.2%); Asian: 238,124 (3.8%); Other race: 236,724 (3.7%); Two or more races: 146,005 (2.3%); Hispanic/Latino: 428,729 (6.8%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 13.5; median age: 36.5.

See additional census data

Area codes

Tourism office

Massachusetts Map
Map of Massachusetts

Massachusetts has played a significant role in American history since the Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. As one of the most important of the 13 colonies, Massachusetts became a leader in resisting British oppression. In 1773, the Boston Tea Party protested unjust taxation. The Minute Men started the American Revolution by battling British troops at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

During the 19th century, Massachusetts was famous for the intellectual activity of its writers and educators and for its expanding commercial fishing, shipping, and manufacturing interests. Massachusetts pioneered the manufacture of textiles and shoes. Today, these industries have been replaced in importance by the electronics and communications equipment fields.

The state's cranberry crop is the nation's second-largest (after Wisconsin). Also important are dairy and poultry products, nursery and greenhouse produce, vegetables, and fruit.

Tourism has become an important factor in the economy of the state because of its numerous recreational areas and historical landmarks. Cape Cod has beaches, summer theaters, and an artists' colony at Provincetown. The Berkshires, in the western part of the state, is the site of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony; art museums, including Mass MoCA and the Clark Institute; and Jacob's Pillow, a world renowned dance center.

Among the many other points of interest are Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Minute Man National Historical Park between Lexington and Concord, and Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth. In Boston there are many places of historical interest, including Old North Church, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

See more on Massachusetts:
Encyclopedia: Massachusetts
Encyclopedia: Geography
Encyclopedia: Economy
Encyclopedia: Government
Encyclopedia: History
Monthly Temperature Extremes

Accredited Colleges and Universities

All U.S. States: Geography & Climate
Printable Outline Maps
Record Highest Temperatures
Record Lowest Temperatures
Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations
Land and Water Area

All U.S. States: Population & Economy
Historical Population Statistics, 1790–Present
Per Capita Personal Income
Minimum Wage Rates
State Taxes
Federal Government Expenditure
Percent of People in Poverty
Births and Birth Rates
Homeownership
Percentage of Uninsured by State

All U.S. States: Society & Culture:
Most Livable States
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Crime Index
Residency Requirements for Voting
Compulsory School Attendance Laws
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National Public Radio Stations

Selected famous natives and residents:


Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

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