From the Boston Tea Party to the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s easy to say that the Bay State is one of America’s most important treasures. Everyone knows that Massachusetts is home to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. 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 has a progressive income tax rate of 5%. 23. In 1659 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony made it a criminal offense to publicly celebrate the holiday. © Massachusetts Municipal Association, 2014, – Compiled by John Ouellette, Publications Editor & Web Director, MMA. They used the cut-and-cover method to construct it. Its five bordering states are Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. At the time, he called the sport “Mintonette.” The first phone call in history was made in Boston on March 10, 1876. Engineers were forced to make this tunnel so deep because of the depth of the Boston Harbor. The area of the capital city of Boston, first founded in 1630, was originally called “Shawmut” by local … [18], 27. Massachusetts Fun Facts. Acushnet is the hometown of the Titleist golf ball company. Translation: By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty. Did you know that the first subway in America was built in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897? Massachusetts, you're wild. The Massachusetts Bay Colony wasn't settled for another 10 years. 1. 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. HISTORY: Excavations in Massachusetts reveal that the earliest human inhabitants arrived about 3,000 years ago. The site of the building, near the summit of Beacon Hill, Boston’s highest ground, was formerly John Hancock’s cow pasture. Below are 20 fun facts you most likely didn’t know about Boston. In this video you can find seven little known facts about Massachusetts. The lobster was so plentiful in the 1800s that Massachusetts servants demanded a clause in their contracts to prevent being fed it more than 3 times a week. Officially opening in 1634, the 50 acres of land is a common gathering place throughout the year. 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. Check out these bizarre and fascinating facts from the hidden history of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is the sixth state of the United States. It is the largest city in New England. The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, called his assistant Thomas … However, many areas of the forests are transformed into agriculture. Did you know that a beach near Boston is popularly called “Singing beach?” Do not get too carried away with the fact. The motto was written about 1659, and is attributed to English patriot Algernon Sydney. HISTORY: Excavations in Massachusetts reveal that the earliest human inhabitants arrived about 3,000 years ago. Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William Morgan … Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. In 1856, however, Christmas finally became a public holiday in the state. Watson—come here—I want to see you.” Watson was in the next room where he heard the message from the receiver. [6], 12. 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. The year in parentheses is when the item was designated a state symbol. 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! There is a lake in Massachusetts named “Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.”. Massachusetts' state song is 'All Hail to Massachusetts'. There’s so much about our beautiful state that most people don’t know. It is the only museum of … MOTTO: Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem. In 1629, a royal charter was granted to the Massachusetts Bay Company to promote the settlement of the territory and to govern the colonies. However, these states function just like the other 46 states. Trivia Fun Facts & Interesting Information The fishing industry has always been a vital part of the Massachusetts economy. The tunnel is a 1.6-mile long and dips to close to 100 feet below sea level. STATE HEROINE: Deborah Samson, who assumed a male identity in order to fight in the Revolutionary War. It was the first state to write and adopt a constitution (1780), which served as a model for the U.S. Constitution. 15. Interesting Massachusetts Colony Facts: Plymouth Colony was founded in 1620, at Plymouth, Massachusetts, by Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, a ship carrying settlers. Economic Facts About Massachusetts Massachusetts’ GDP is around $596 billion. [16], 25. Deemed the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979, the Boston Terrier is an … A toll is charged when entering the tunnel from either side.[19]. 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. 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]. 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. Massachusetts is the 15th most populous and the 44th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. 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'. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. [12], 19. The Indian term means "at or about the Great Hill". We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The name of the state comes from the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans. The official state dessert of Massachusetts is Boston cream pie. Other nicknames for the state include Old Colony State, Old Bay State and Pilgrim State. Boston is a city full of history, most of which is pretty common knowledge you learned about in elementary school. 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'. 5. 3. We Enjoy Animals. CAPITAL: Boston, established in 1630, has been the capital of Massachusetts since its founding. The very first license plate issued by a state government (Number 1) was issued on September 1, 1903, to Frederick Tudor of Brookline. This state is bordered by New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and the Atlantic Ocean. The Fig Newton cookies were named after the town of Newton, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Constitution is the oldest still in use in the world. STATE FLAG: A white rectangular field bears on either side a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth, except that the star is white. The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, is currently a professor at the … 6th State (February 6, 1788), New England. On the phone, he said, “Mr. 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of Massachusetts. Plymouth, located just south of modern-day Boston, was one of the first permanent English settlements in North America.[9]. Here are 12 interesting facts about Massachusetts. In 1692 and 1693, untrue rumors led to witch hunts in Salem, Massachusetts. [11], 18. Note: Public school enrollment figures represent the number of “school- attending children,” which includes residents attending any public school, including academic regional schools, vocational/technical regional schools, collaboratives and out-of-district public schools. In 1636 until 1638, Pequot War took place. Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty) 22. 10. First opening for public use in 2003, it was one of the first major links constructed as part of the Big Dig. The state attained statehood on February 6, 1788, becoming the 6th state to join the union. 1. 24. [8], 13. [2], 2. The state was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States of America. 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. In 1639 America’s first post office opened in Boston. European explorers began roving the coast as early as the 11th century. 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 NAME: The state takes its name from the Massachuset tribe of Native Americans. Shortly after the Puritans arrived in Boston, … The name has been translated as “at or about the Great Hill,” “great mountain place,” or “large hill place,” among other translations. Massachusetts, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are the four US states whose legal names include the term Commonwealth. Dunkin Donuts opened its first franchise restaurant in Dedham, Massachusetts, and sold 52 varieties of donuts. The forest only makes up around 62 percent of Massachusetts. In 1497 and 1498, John Cabot carried through the explorations upon which England based its original claim to North America. All Rights Reserved. Also, the oldest school in America, called Boston Latin, was established in Boston in 1635—a year before Harvard University. As of last year, Massachusetts was tied with Maryland for the lowest divorce rate in the nation. Its major cities are Boston, Worcester, Massachusetts, Springfield, Massachusetts and Plymouth, Massachusetts Massachusetts is also home to the 6 time Super Bowl winning New England Patriots. Statewide public school enrollment: 934,747 (2014), Median public school enrollment: 1,641 (Sturbridge). 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.? Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are some of the world-famous basket ballplayers of all times. British colonist John Smith named Massachusetts for the Massachusett tribe. 6-10 Massachusetts Facts 6. In 2003, by court orders, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to legalize gay marriage. Other major sectors of economic activity include finance, health care, and venture capital investment. Naismith was a physical education teacher and wanted to engage his students in some physical activity while being indoors during the cold winter months. 14. Did you know that James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts? Previously, the only European settler in the area was William Blackstone, who arrived in 1626. Stopping for red lights is not required by law unless they are flashing. Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States of America. [3,24], 7. The Pilgrim National Wax Museum is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. On March 10, 1876, it was here in Boston that the first telephone call was made when Alexander … Check out all of our unique finds from The Bay State during our MINI NOT NORMAL Road Trip. As of 1st January 2019, the minimum wage per hour in Massachusetts is $12. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin was the first postmaster general of the United States of America. 13 Quirky Facts About Massachusetts That You Probably Never Knew. The game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets nailed to railings 10 feet above the floor. Connecticut followed suit but in 2008. As of June 2018, the … 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. 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