Capital: Boston State abbreviation/Postal code: Mass./MA Governor: Deval Patrick, D (to Jan. 2015) Lieut. Governor: Timothy Murray, D (to Jan. 2015) Senators: John F. Kerry, D (to Jan. 2015); Scott Brown, R (to Jan. 2013) U.S. Representatives: 10 Historical biographies of Congressional members Secy. of the Commonwealth: William F. Galvin, D (to Jan. 2015) Treasurer: Steve Grossman , D (to Jan. 2015) Atty. General: Martha Coakley, D (to Jan. 2015) 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: | flower | mayflower (1918) | | tree | American elm (1941) | | bird | chickadee (1941) | | song | “All Hail to Massachusetts” (1966) | | beverage | cranberry juice (1970) | | insect | ladybug (1974) | | cookie | chocolate chip (1997) | | muffin | corn muffin (1986) | | dessert | Boston 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 (2010): Boston, 617,594; Worcester, 181,045; Springfield, 153,060; Lowell, 106,519; Cambridge, 105,162; New Bedford, 95,072; Brockton, 93,180; Quincy, 92,271; Lynn, 90,329; Fall River, 88,857 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, 1,503,085 (2010); Worcester, 1,513 sq mi. State forests and parks: 450,000 ac. Residents: Bay Stater 2010 resident population: 6,547,629 2010 resident census population (rank): 6,547,629 (14). Male: 3,166,628 (48.2%); Female: 3,381,001 (51.8%). White: 5,265,236 (75.6%); Black: 434,398 (6.6%); American Indian: 18,850 (0.2%); Asian: 349,768 (5.3%); Other race: 305,151 (4.3%); Two or more races: 172,003 (2.6%); Hispanic/Latino: 627,654 (9.6%). 2010 population 18 and over: 5,128,706; 65 and over: 902,724; median age: 39.1. See additional census data Area codes Tourism office |
