Statehood: Febuary 6, 1788, sixth state
Origin of Name: Massachusetts was an Indian tribe.
State Capital: Boston, founded in 1630.
State Nickname: Bay State
State Motto: Ense pitit placidam sub libertate quietem.
State Flag:The state flag was adopted in 1908. A gold indian holding a
bow in his right hand and an arow in his left hand is dipicted on a blue shield
against a white background. The arow is pointing downward to symbolize
peace. Above the sheild,a bent arm holding the sword symbolizes the state
motto, which is written out on a banner flowing around the shield.
State Bird: Chickadee
State Flower: Mayflower
State Tree: American Elm
State Fish: Cod
State Insect: Ladybug
Population Density: 693 people per sq. mi.
Population Distribution: 84 percent of the people live in cities or towns. Boston ranks seventh in population in the United States and first among the six New England states.
States that border Massachusetts are Vermont and New Hampshire on the north, New York on west, and Rhode Island and Connecticut on the south. The Atlantic Ocean forms the states eastern border and part of its southern border.
Highest Point: Mount Gylock in Berkshire Country - 3,491 ft.(1,064m)
Lowest Point: Sea level along the Atlantic Ocean
Greatest Distances:
Area: 8284 sq.mi.(21,456 km.)
Rank in Area Among the States: Forty-fifth