Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

State abbreviation/Postal code: Mass./MA

Governor: Deval Patrick, D (to Jan. 2015)

Lieut. Governor: Timothy Murray, D (to Jan. 2015)

Senators: Elizabeth Warren, D (to Jan. 2019);

William Cowan, D (interim; to June 2013)

U.S. Representatives: 9

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

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.

In May 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.

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
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