Massachusetts

Guide Note

Massachusetts is one of the first 13 states in the United States. It was pivotal in the transformation of the American Colonies into an independent nation. In recent years, it has become well-known for its prestigious universities, its sports teams, and its leadership in technology development.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Boston
2. Governor: Deval Patrick
3. Population: 6,437,193 (2006 estimate)
4. Statehood date: February 6, 1788
5. Time zone: Eastern
6. Major cities: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell
7. Official state items: Mayflower (flower), Cod (fish), Cranberry Juice (beverage), Corn Muffin (muffin), Garter Snake (reptile)
8. Nickname: Bay State
9. 7th smallest U.S. state
10. Officially a commonwealth, not a state

While many people think of Massachusetts solely in terms of the Boston metro area, the western half of the state also has a strong culture, with farms, many well-reputed academic institutions including Smith College and Amherst College, and the Berkshires, a cultural center with orchestras, theater festivals, and beautiful scenery.

In 1629, a large area of what is now Massachusetts was established by a group of Puritan settlers as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was successful, and eventually established its own system of government. It also showed an early independent streak, rebelling against British policy on tariffs and taxation. King Charles II revoked the colony's charter in 1684.

A rock-throwing incident in 1770 led to fierce retaliation from the British army and became known as the Boston Massacre, one of the key events leading up to the American Revolution. In 1773, residents threw tea into Boston Harbor in what would later be known as the Boston Tea Party. This led to harsh repercussions from the British government, who closed the port to crush incipient rebellion. Their decision backfired, and much of the American colonies rose in revolt.

Massachusetts, with its poorly productive land and short growing season, was quick to see industrialization as the next step to success. Its textile mills, shoe factories and other production facilities became the envy of many other regions during the 1800s, and manufactured many of the supplies for the Civil War.