Massachusetts

This article is about the U.S. state. For the Indigenous people, see Massachusett. For other uses, see Massachusetts (disambiguation).

Massachusetts
State
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Flag of Massachusetts
Flag
Official seal of Massachusetts
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Bay State (official)
The Pilgrim State; The Puritan State
The Old Colony State
The Baked Bean State[1]
Motto(s): 
Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (Latin)
By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty
Anthem: "All Hail to Massachusetts"
Map of the United States with Massachusetts highlighted
Map of the United States with Massachusetts highlighted
CountryUnited States
Before statehoodProvince of Massachusetts Bay
Admitted to the UnionFebruary 6, 1788 (6th)
Capital
(and largest city)		Boston
Largest county or equivalentMiddlesex
Largest metro and urban areasGreater Boston
Government
 • GovernorMaura Healey (D)
 • Lieutenant governorKim Driscoll (D)
LegislatureGeneral Court
 • Upper houseSenate
 • Lower houseHouse of Representatives
JudiciaryMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
U.S. senatorsElizabeth Warren (D)
Ed Markey (D)
U.S. House delegation9 Democrats (list)
Area
 • Total10,565[2] sq mi (27,363 km2)
 • Land7,800[3] sq mi (20,202 km2)
 • Water2,715 sq mi (7,032 km2)  26.1%
 • Rank44th
Dimensions
 • Length190 mi (296 km)
 • Width115 mi (184 km)
Elevation
508 ft (150 m)
Highest elevation
(Mount Greylock[4][a])
3,489 ft (1,063.4 m)
Lowest elevation
(Atlantic Ocean)
0 ft (0 m)
Population
 (2023)
 • TotalNeutral increase 7,001,399[5]
 • Rank16th
 • Density891/sq mi (344/km2)
  • Rank3rd
 • Median household income
$89,026[6]
 • Income rank
2nd
DemonymBay Stater (official)[7]

Masshole[8][9][10][11][12][13] Massachusite (traditional)[14][15]

Massachusettsan (recommended by the U.S. GPO)[16]
Language
 • Official languageEnglish[17]
 • Spoken language
Time zoneUTC–05:00 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC–04:00 (EDT)
USPS abbreviation
MA
ISO 3166 codeUS-MA
Traditional abbreviationMass.
Latitude41°14′ N to 42°53′ N
Longitude69°56′ W to 73°30′ W
Websitemass.gov
State symbols of Massachusetts
List of state symbols
Flag of Massachusetts
Seal of Massachusetts
PoemBlue Hills of Massachusetts[19][20]
SloganMake It Yours,
The Spirit of America[21]
Living insignia
BirdBlack-capped chickadee,[22] wild turkey[23][19]
FishCod[19][24]
FlowerMayflower[19][25]
InsectLadybug[19][26]
MammalRight whale,[27] Morgan horse,[28] Tabby cat,[29] Boston Terrier[30]
ReptileGarter snake[19][31]
TreeAmerican elm[19][32]
Inanimate insignia
BeverageCranberry juice[19][33]
Color(s)Blue, green, cranberry[19][34]
DanceSquare dance[19][35]
FoodCranberry,[36] corn muffin,[19][37] navy bean,[38] Boston cream pie,[39] chocolate chip cookie,[40] Boston cream doughnut[41]
FossilDinosaur Tracks[42]
GemstoneRhodonite[19][43]
MineralBabingtonite[19][44]
RockRoxbury Puddingstone[19][45]
ShellNew England Neptune, Neptunea lyrata decemcostata[19][46]
ShipSchooner Ernestina[19]
SoilPaxton[19]
SportBasketball[47]
State route marker
Route marker
State quarter
Massachusetts quarter dollar coin
Released in 2000[48]
Lists of United States state symbols

Massachusetts (/ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsɪts/ ⓘ, /-zɪts/ MASS-ə-CHOO-sits, -⁠zits; Massachusett: Muhsachuweesut [məhswatʃəwiːsət]), officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,[b] is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine to its east, Connecticut and Rhode Island to its south, New Hampshire and Vermont to its north, and New York to its west. Massachusetts is the sixth-smallest state by land area. With over seven million residents as of 2020,[note 1] it is the most populous state in New England, the 16th-most-populous in the country, and the third-most densely populated, after New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Massachusetts was a site of early English colonization. The Plymouth Colony was founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. In 1630, the Massachusetts Bay Colony, taking its name from the Indigenous Massachusett people, also established settlements in Boston and Salem. In 1692, the town of Salem and surrounding areas experienced one of America's most infamous cases of mass hysteria, the Salem witch trials.[49] In the late 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty"[50] for the agitation there that later led to the American Revolution. In 1786, Shays' Rebellion, a populist revolt led by disaffected American Revolutionary War veterans, influenced the United States Constitutional Convention.[51] Originally dependent on agriculture, fishing, and trade,[52] Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution.[53] Before the American Civil War, the state was a center for the abolitionist, temperance,[54] and transcendentalist[55] movements.[56] During the 20th century, the state's economy shifted from manufacturing to services;[57] and in the 21st century, Massachusetts has become the global leader in biotechnology,[58] and also excels in artificial intelligence,[59] engineering, higher education, finance, and maritime trade.[60]

The state's capital and most populous city, as well as its cultural and financial center, is Boston. Other major cities are Worcester, Springfield and Cambridge. Massachusetts is also home to the urban core of Greater Boston, the largest metropolitan area in New England and a region profoundly influential upon American history, academia, and the research economy.[61] Massachusetts has a reputation for social and political progressivism;[62] becoming the only U.S. state with a right to shelter law, and the first U.S. state, and one of the earliest jurisdictions in the world to legally recognize same-sex marriage.[63] Harvard University in Cambridge is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States,[64] with the largest financial endowment of any university in the world.[65] Both Harvard and MIT, also in Cambridge, are perennially ranked as either the most or among the most highly regarded academic institutions in the world.[66] Massachusetts's public-school students place among the top tier in the world in academic performance.[67]

Massachusetts is the most educated[68] and one of the most highly developed and wealthiest U.S. states, ranking first in the percentage of population 25 and over with either a bachelor's degree or advanced degree, first on both the American Human Development Index and the standard Human Development Index, first in per capita income, and as of 2023, first in median income.[68] Consequently, Massachusetts typically ranks as the top U.S. state,[69] as well as the most expensive state, for residents to live in.[70]

  1. ^ Herman, Jennifer (2008). Massachusetts Encyclopedia. State History Publications, LLC. p. 7. Various nicknames have been given to describe Massachusetts, including the Bay State, the Old Bay State, the Pilgrim State, the Puritan State, the Old Colony State and, less often, the Baked Bean State
  2. ^ "Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  3. ^ "State Area Measurements and Internal Point Coordinates".
  4. ^ "Greylock RM 1 Reset". NGS Data Sheet. National Geodetic Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce.
  5. ^ "US Census Bureau Quick Facts: Massachusetts". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  6. ^ "Median Annual Household Income". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  7. ^ "Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2, Section 35: Designation of citizens of commonwealth". The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  8. ^ Gavin, Christopher (August 5, 2019). "'Massachusettsan?' Bay Staters and Massholes are perplexed by this word for Mass. natives". Boston.com. The Boston Globe. If you hail from Massachusetts, you may consider yourself a few things. A Bay Stater. A Bostonian, perhaps. Maybe even a Masshole.
  9. ^ Quinn, Garrett (June 25, 2015). "Rejoice! Oxford English Dictionary Adds 'Masshole'". Boston (magazine). My fellow Massholes, we've finally arrived. The Oxford English Dictionary, the authoritative book on the English language, has included "Masshole" in its list of 500 new words to be officially added to its pages.
  10. ^ Buell, Spencer (November 1, 2018). ""We're Massholes, Not Assholes": A New Question 3 Ad Stars a Foul-Mouthed Bostonian". Boston (magazine). "I know some people question the use of our words," says Kelly Fredrickson, president of MullenLowe Boston. "But I'm from here and I'm a proud Masshole. I've been raised in a state that protects all our liberties and I want those to exist for my kids."
  11. ^ Buell, Spencer (August 19, 2019). "Ken Jennings' Gentle and Sweet Redefinition of "Masshole"". Boston (magazine). In a tweet on Sunday, Jennings offered his take on the word, which is sometimes used as an insult, but just as often worn as a badge of honor.…But ours is not a state that historically listens to dictums from the British, and "term of contempt" or not, locals seem to have adopted "Masshole" as a descriptor.
  12. ^ Faraone, Chris; Pramas, Jason (November 12, 2020). "Editor's Note: Gloves Off" (PDF). DigBoston. Running a state is hard at the best of times and these are worse times than most Mass residents have ever experienced.…We're all just one big happy Masshole family, right?
  13. ^ McGinnes, Meagan; Scalese, Roberto; Creamer, Lisa; Kaufman, Jill (June 25, 2024). "Day trips in Massachusetts: Hikes, history made fun, ice cream and unofficial hot dog tours". WBUR-FM. There are the North and South shores, which to an untrained eye look alike but to a Masshole are completely different planets.
  14. ^ "Collections". Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society. 1877. p. 435. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  15. ^ Jones, Thomas (1879). DeLancey, Edward Floyd (ed.). History of New York During the Revolutionary War. New York: New-York Historical Society. p. 465. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
  16. ^ U.S. Government Publishing Office Style Manual. 2016. §5.23.
  17. ^ Schwarz, Hunter (August 12, 2014). "States where English is the official language". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
  18. ^ "Massachusetts Language & Education". American FactFinder. Retrieved March 14, 2024. |
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Massachusetts Facts". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  20. ^ "Blue Hills of Massachusetts: Massachusetts State Poem". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  21. ^ "State Slogans". Ereferencedesk.com. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  22. ^ "Black-Capped Chickadee:Massachusetts State Bird". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  23. ^ "Wild Turkey: Massachusetts State Game Bird". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 22, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  24. ^ "Cod: Massachusetts State Fish". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  25. ^ "Mayflower: Massachusetts State Flower". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  26. ^ "Ladybug: Massachusetts State Insect". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  27. ^ "Right Whale: Massachusetts State Marine Mammal". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  28. ^ "Morgan Horse: Massachusetts State Horse". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  29. ^ "Tabby Cat: Massachusetts State Cat". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  30. ^ "Boston Terrier: Massachusetts State Dog". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  31. ^ "Garter Snake: Massachusetts State Reptile". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  32. ^ "American Elm: Massachusetts State Tree". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 22, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  33. ^ "Cranberry Juice: Massachusetts State Beverage". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  34. ^ "Blue—Green—Cranberry: Massachusetts State Colors". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  35. ^ "Square Dance: Massachusetts State Folk Dance". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  36. ^ "Cranberry: Massachusetts State Berry". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  37. ^ "Corn Muffin: Massachusetts State Muffin". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  38. ^ "Baked Navy Bean: Massachusetts State Bean". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  39. ^ "Boston Creme Pie: Massachusetts State Dessert". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  40. ^ "Chocolate Chip Cookie: Massachusetts State Cookie". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  41. ^ "Boston Cream Donut: Massachusetts State Donut". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  42. ^ "Dinosaur Tracks: Massachusetts State Fossil". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 20, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  43. ^ "Rhodonite: Massachusetts State Gem". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  44. ^ "Babingtonite: Massachusetts State Mineral". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 26, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  45. ^ "Official State Rock of Massachusetts". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 21, 2014. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  46. ^ "New England Neptune: Massachusetts State Shell". StateSymbolsUSA.org. May 19, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  47. ^ Levenson, Michael (August 9, 2006). "Can you guess the state sport of Massachusetts?". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
  48. ^ "The Official Massachusetts State Quarter". The Us50. theus50.com. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  49. ^ "The 1692 Salem Witch Trials". Salem Witch Trials Museum. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  50. ^ "Faneuil Hall". Celebrateboston.com. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  51. ^ "Shays' Rebellion". ushistory.org. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  52. ^ "Maritime Commerce". National Park Service. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  53. ^ "History of Lowell, Massachusetts". City of Lowell. Archived from the original on April 5, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  54. ^ "The Temperance Issue in the Election of 1840: Massachusetts". Teachushistory.org. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  55. ^ Packer, Barbara (2007). The Transcendentalists. University of Georgia Press; First edition (April 25, 2007). ISBN 978-0-8203-2958-1.
  56. ^ "Images of the Antislavery Movement in Massachusetts". Masshist.org. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  57. ^ "Staying Power: The Future of Manufacturing in Massachusetts" (PDF). The Center for Urban and Regional Policy School of Social Science, Urban Affairs, and Public Policy Northeastern University. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  58. ^ "Boston is Now the Largest Biotech Hub in the World". EPM Scientific. February 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  59. ^ "Why Boston Will Be the Star of The AI Revolution". VentureFizz. October 24, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2023. Boston startups are working to overcome some of the largest technical barriers holding AI back, and they're attracting attention across a wide variety of industries in the process.
  60. ^ "Housing and Economic Development: Key Industries". mass.gov. Archived from the original on April 22, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  61. ^ Douglas, Craig. "Greater Boston gains population, remains 10th-largest region in U.S". Boston Business Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  62. ^ "Does 'Massachusetts liberal' label still matter?". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  63. ^ "Massachusetts court strikes down ban on same-sex marriage". CNN. Reuters. November 18, 2003. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  64. ^ "History of Harvard University". Harvard University. Retrieved April 21, 2015.
  65. ^ Lewin, Tamar (January 28, 2015). "Harvard's Endowment Remains Biggest of All". The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
  66. ^ [1] Times Higher Education. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  67. ^ Cite error: The named reference AcademicRanking3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  68. ^ a b Kamaron McNair (April 6, 2024). "10 U.S. states where Americans earn the lowest incomes—only 2 aren't in the South". CNBC. Retrieved April 6, 2024. More education typically correlates with higher earnings, which helps explain why Massachusetts — the most-educated state, with nearly 47% of its population holding a bachelor's degree or higher — is also the highest-paid, according to the St. Louis Fed.
  69. ^ Jay Edwards (August 12, 2024). "WalletHub: New Jersey is 2024's 3rd best state to live in". WRNJ Radio. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  70. ^ Mike Winters (June 20, 2024). "The salary a family of 4 needs to get by in every U.S. state—it's more than $150,000 in the most expensive one". CNBC. Retrieved June 22, 2024.


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