The state’s capital is Boston. 6th State (February 6, 1788), New England. Learn five fun facts about Massachusetts in this exclusive video from Studies Weekly. In 1497 and 1498, John Cabot carried through the explorations upon which England based its original claim to North America. Massachusetts has one of the lowest divorce rates among the US states. Massachusetts' state song is 'All Hail to Massachusetts'. Harvard was the first college established in North America. Naismith was a physical education teacher and wanted to engage his students in some physical activity while being indoors during the cold winter months. There’s so much about our beautiful state that most people don’t know. NAME: The state takes its name from the Massachuset tribe of Native Americans. Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty) There are several weird laws technically still in place. The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, called his assistant Thomas … The popularity of the donuts grew so much that the company by the year 1963 had opened its 100th restaurant. Fun Facts about Massachusetts 9: the biome The temperature deciduous forest is the major biome of Massachusetts. Translation: By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty. Engineers were forced to make this tunnel so deep because of the depth of the Boston Harbor. A toll is charged when entering the tunnel from either side.[19]. Massasoit ratified the first New England treaty between Europeans and Native Americans in December of 1620. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts became the sixth state to join the new independent union in 1788. In 1639 America’s first post office opened in Boston. Massachusetts is the sixth state of the United States. Did you know that the postmaster general gets a base salary of $276,840 which is more than the salary of the vice-president of the U.S.? On the phone, he said, “Mr. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. The first college for higher education was Harvard University, founded in Massachusetts in 1636. However, conflict occurred between both groups. 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of Massachusetts. However, these states function just like the other 46 states. [16], 25. See the fact file below for more information about the state of Massachusetts or download the comprehensive worksheet pack which can be utilised within the classroom or home environment. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William Morgan … Everyone knows that Massachusetts is home to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. 23. The above list of municipal positions reflects only the number of each title statewide; the duties of a particular position will vary from community to community. However, many areas of the forests are transformed into agriculture. The area of the capital city of Boston, first founded in 1630, was originally called “Shawmut” by local … STATE NICKNAMES: Bay State, Old Bay State, Pilgrim State, Puritan State, Old Colony State, Baked Bean State, Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts,” by Arthur J. Marsh (1981), Poem: “The Blue Hills of Massachusetts,” by Katherine E. Mullen (1981). Interesting Facts About Massachusetts. Massachusetts, you're wild. As of June 2018, the population of Massachusetts was estimated to be 6,895,917. Fun Fact 7: Boston Common Park was established in 1634, it was the nation's first public park, which means it the oldest city park in the U.S. Fun Fact 8: The official State Song of Massachusetts is "All Hail to Massachusetts" it was written by Arthur Marsh and was officially adopted as the state song on September 3, 1966 The sound comes when a visitor shuffles their feet on its dry sand. Trivia Fun Facts & Interesting Information The fishing industry has always been a vital part of the Massachusetts economy. The motto was written about 1659, and is attributed to English patriot Algernon Sydney. Connecticut followed suit but in 2008. Much of the state's most important economic activity is concentrated in high tech sectors like biotechnology, information technology, and defense. 9. 6-10 Massachusetts Facts 6. The state was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States of America. The very first license plate issued by a state government (Number 1) was issued on September 1, 1903, to Frederick Tudor of Brookline. Did you know that the first post office in America opened in Boston in 1639? Facts about Massachusetts Bay Colony 8: Indian populations At first, a good relationship was established between the people from Massachusetts Bay Colony with Indian populations. [17], 26. The sales tax rate in Massachusetts is 6%. In 1856, however, Christmas finally became a public holiday in the state. The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband in 1930 in the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts.[10]. State law also prescribes a naval and maritime flag, which bears a pine tree rather than the state seal, and a governor’s flag, which is triangular. Megan Brennan, the first woman in history to hold the job, as a result, earns more than the salary of the vice-president of the United States ($243,500). State Abbreviation: MA Capital: Boston Origin of name: From Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans who lived in the Great Blue Hill region, south of Boston. Did you know that James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts? It is the largest city in New England. Its five bordering states are Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The state is officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The state is officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, is currently a professor at the … “The Bay State” has contributed largely to history, culture and business/economy in the country since the Pilgrims founded Plymouth in 1620, while seeking religious freedom. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south, New Hampshire and Vermont to the north, and New York to the west. Below are 20 fun facts you most likely didn’t know about Boston. Various forms of increasingly repressive British rule culminated in the first battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, at Lexington and Concord. The company was a group of English Puritan settlers seeking religious freedom. Massachusetts is the 15th most populous and the 44th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. Interesting Massachusetts Colony Facts: Plymouth Colony was founded in 1620, at Plymouth, Massachusetts, by Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, a ship carrying settlers. Other major sectors of economic activity include finance, health care, and venture capital investment. However, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of some lesser-known gems and relics. 1634: First public park in America, Boston Common, 1635: First American public secondary school, Boston Latin Grammar School, 1636: First American university, Harvard, Cambridge, 1638: First American printing press, Cambridge, 1639: First free American public school, Boston, 1653: First American public library, Boston, 1704: First regularly issued American newspaper, The Boston News-Letter, 1716: First American lighthouse, Boston Harbor, Hull, 1775: First battle of American Revolution, Lexington and Concord, 1775: First commissioned ship of U.S. Navy, Beverly, 1789: First American novel published, William Hill Brown’s “The Power of Sympathy,” Worcester, 1831: First abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator, Boston, 1876: First telephone demonstrated by Alexander Graham Bell, Boston, 1892: First gasoline-powered automobile, Springfield, 1898: First American subway system, Boston, 1926: First liquid fuel rocket, launched by Dr. Robert Goddard, Auburn, 1928: First computer, developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Population growth since 2000 Census: 198,532 (3.1 percent), Rank of population growth rate among the 50 states (2000 to 2010): 43, Number of communities with populations of more than 40,000: 38, Number of communities with populations of less than 1,000: 27, Median community population: 10,304 (Maynard), Note: Community population figures are between-Census estimates from the Department of Revenue, Area: 8,257 square miles (ranking 45th of the 50 states), Largest body of water: Quabbin Reservoir (39 square miles), Highest elevation: Mount Greylock (3,491 feet), Lowest elevation: Atlantic Ocean (sea level), Shoreline: 192 miles (not including islands), Average community land area: 22.33 square miles, MEDIAN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX RATE: $15.42 (2014), Municipalities with a city form of government: 55, Municipalities with a town form of government: 296, Mayors: 46 (of which 3 are part of a mayor-manager form of government), Other municipal administrator positions (administrative assistant, administrative coordinator, administrative officer, administrative secretary, chief administrative and financial officer, chief administrative officer, executive administrator, executive assistant, executive director, general manager, municipal administrator, municipal assistant, town coordinator): 19. Officially opening in 1634, the 50 acres of land is a common gathering place throughout the year. The Massachusetts Bay Colony wasn't settled for another 10 years. Massachusetts Fun Facts. European explorers began roving the coast as early as the 11th century. According to a survey, Massachusetts is the most educated state in the country, because the state has a number of high – ranking state colleges and universities. 22. [7], 11. 6. 1. First opening for public use in 2003, it was one of the first major links constructed as part of the Big Dig. Sign up to receive updates about outdoor activities. Boston is a city full of history, most of which is pretty common knowledge you learned about in elementary school. [6], 12. Massachusetts (nicknamed: Bay State, Colony State, Old Colony, Taxachusetts, The Spirit of America) has 14 counties. Massachusetts has a progressive income tax rate of 5%. The forest only makes up around 62 percent of Massachusetts. They used the cut-and-cover method to construct it. LEGISLATURE: 40-member Senate and 160-member House of Representatives. Plymouth, located just south of modern-day Boston, was one of the first permanent English settlements in North America.[9]. Note: Some communities with a city form of government still refer to themselves as a town. The name has been translated as “at or about the Great Hill,” “great mountain place,” or “large hill place,” among other translations. The postal abbreviation for Massachusetts is MA. [12], 19. It is the only museum of … Did you know that the first subway in America was built in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897? As of June 2018, the … Massachusetts, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are the four US states whose legal names include the term Commonwealth. Interesting Massachusetts Facts: The name Massachusetts originates from the Massachusett Native Americans, which means 'at or about the great hill' or 'a big hill place'. Stopping for red lights is not required by law unless they are flashing. STATE HEROINE: Deborah Samson, who assumed a male identity in order to fight in the Revolutionary War. HISTORY: Excavations in Massachusetts reveal that the earliest human inhabitants arrived about 3,000 years ago. Furthermore, the game of volleyball finds its roots in Massachusetts as well. The tunnel is a 1.6-mile long and dips to close to 100 feet below sea level. In 1692 and 1693, untrue rumors led to witch hunts in Salem, Massachusetts. Dunkin Donuts opened its first franchise restaurant in Dedham, Massachusetts, and sold 52 varieties of donuts. On March 10, 1876, it was here in Boston that the first telephone call was made when Alexander … There is also a strong tourism industry, as well as manufacturing and agricu… Previously, the only European settler in the area was William Blackstone, who arrived in 1626. Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States of America. Shortly after the Puritans arrived in Boston, … It lies in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to scare a pigeon. British colonist John Smith named Massachusetts for the Massachusett tribe. The Pilgrim National Wax Museum is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Check out these bizarre and fascinating facts from the hidden history of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest still in use in the world. Keep watching and subscribe, as more states will follow! The Indian term means "at or about the Great Hill". We Enjoy Animals. However, even longtime residents of this town might not know everything about its origins and history, and about how the city of Newton has made a deep impact on American culture throughout the decades! CAPITAL: Boston, established in 1630, has been the capital of Massachusetts since its founding. 14. The city of Newton, Massachusetts, is beloved by residents because of its close proximity to nearby Boston, as well as its top-notch schools and area attractions. The official state dessert of Massachusetts is Boston cream pie. A yellow brick North Annex was added to the State House in 1895, and a marble wing was added to each side in 1917. Thanks in large part to the robust subway system in the city, Boston has more pedestrian commuters than any other major city in the United States. In 1636 until 1638, Pequot War took place. [18], 27. The state motto for Massachusetts is 'Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem' which means 'By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty'. Check out all of our unique finds from The Bay State during our MINI NOT NORMAL Road Trip. The Fig Newton cookies were named after the town of Newton, Massachusetts. European explorers began roving the coast as early as the 11th century. 24. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 13 Quirky Facts About Massachusetts That You Probably Never Knew. Other nicknames for the state include Old Colony State, Old Bay State and Pilgrim State. GDP: 527 billion dollars (11th in U.S., 2017) Unemployment: 3.5% (2017) Overview:Massachusetts has a very developed economy, with the nation's third highest per-capita income. With these facts about Massachusetts, let us learn more about its history, geography, economy, people, culture and more. Fun Facts The first baseball World Series was held in Boston in 1903. Milford is known the world over for its unique pink granite, discovered in the 1870’s and quarried for many years to grace the exteriors of museums, government buildings, monuments and railroad stations. Basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891 by a man named James Naismith. In 1659 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony made it a criminal offense to publicly celebrate the holiday. The state attained statehood on February 6, 1788, becoming the 6th state to join the union. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are some of the world-famous basket ballplayers of all times. Economic Facts About Massachusetts Massachusetts’ GDP is around $596 billion. As of last year, Massachusetts was tied with Maryland for the lowest divorce rate in the nation. 17. [4], 8. In this video you can find seven little known facts about Massachusetts. Due to its history, it has been home to a British camp before the American Revolutionary War, and a modern gathering place for speeches, protests, outdoor concerts and more. 16. [11], 18. In 1620, the Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, made a brief stop in what later became Provincetown before settling in Plymouth on land belonging to Wampanoag Chief Massasoit. [13], 20. [2], 2. Massachusetts and Missouri were the first states to require a driver’s license in 1903. To remind lawmakers of that fact, the fishing industry presented the House of Representatives with a statue of a cod, which is hung in the House Chamber. The dome was covered with copper by Paul Revere & Sons in 1802, and has been covered in 23-karat gold leaf since the 1870s. [3,24], 7. On March 10, 1876, it was here in Boston that the first telephone call was made when Alexander Graham Bell summoned his lab assistant, Thomas A. Watson. The state was named by an English explorer and colonist John Smith, after the Massachuset tribe, whose name meant “near the great hill.”[14], 21. STATE FLAG: A white rectangular field bears on either side a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth, except that the star is white. Massachusetts has been the scene of many historical events. In a letter to his father, he wrote: “The day is coming when telegraph wires will be laid on to houses just like water or gas — and friends will converse with each other without leaving home.”[1]. There is a lake in Massachusetts named “Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.”. Basketball was invented in December 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield. Morgan. Did you know that a beach near Boston is popularly called “Singing beach?” Do not get too carried away with the fact. Acushnet is the hometown of the Titleist golf ball company. STATE HOUSE: The central portion of the State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch (a former Boston selectman) and completed in 1798 after three years of construction. Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It was the first state to write and adopt a constitution (1780), which served as a model for the U.S. Constitution. • State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols: A Historical Guide, by Benjamin F. Shearer and Barbara S. 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