Massachusetts ( The Colony State / The Bay State ) The colony was named after a local Indian tribe whose name means "a large hill place." Massachusetts was one of the six New England states, and one of the first 13 states in the Union (it entered in 1788). The Pilgrims established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620, arriving on the "Mayflower". They were Puritans, who established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The birthplace of many of the ideals of the American Revolution, Massachusetts attracted people who believed in self-government. Massachusetts is the sixth smallest state of the United States but it stands among the leaders in many fields. Universities in and around Boston help make the area one of the world's great cultural, educational, medical and research centers. Historic sites date back to the Pilgrims, to colonial witchcraft trials, and to the Revolutionary War. Skiing brings many visitors to the Berkshire Hills and to other parts of the state. The Atlantic Ocean and many lakes and rivers also attract water sports enthusiasts. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Massachusetts include: Ray Bolger, Uma Thurman, Anthony Michael Hall, Mark Wahlberg, The Flag of Massachusetts Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the sixth State; flag adopted in 1908, modified in 1971. The star indicated Statehood while the Native American was a Massachusetts symbol as early as 1629.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Boston, 589,141; Worcester, 172,648; Springfield, 152,082; Lowell, 105,167; Cambridge, 101,355; Brockton, 94,304; New Bedford, 93,768; Fall River, 91,938; Lynn, 89,050; Quincy, 88,025   Business and Trade in Massachusetts Agriculture: Seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, cranberries, vegetables. Industries: Machinery, electric equipment, scientific instruments, printing and publishing, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Black-capped Chickadee Flower: Mayflower (epigaea regens) Tree: American Elm (ulmus americana) Song(s): Hail Massachusetts Motto: Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate quietem (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty) Massachusetts Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Birch Hill Dam - Royalston • Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge - Newburyport • Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge - Sudbury • Charles River Natural Valley Storage Project - UXBRIDGE • West Hill Dam - UXBRIDGE

Capital: Boston     Local Weather  Statehood: 1788-02-06  Population: 6,349,097 (809.8 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 10,554.57     Water 2,714.55     Land 7,840.02     Rank 45th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Massachusetts, there are 2,621,989 housing units, averaging to 334.4 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Boston Business Journal   Posters and Artwork Wychmore Harbor, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Art Print 17" x 11" • Methodist Tabernacle, Cottage City, Massachusetts Art Print 17" x 11" • Greetings from Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts Art Print 17" x 11" • Map of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts Art Print 17" x 11" • Kayaking on the Monomoy River, Cape Cod, Harwich, Massachusetts, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Pilgrim Exiles, Plymouth, Massachusetts Art Print 17" x 11"