Major Cities: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge, New Bedford
Borders: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Atlantic Ocean
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $403,823 million (2012 U.S. Department of Commerce)
Key Industries: Electronics and computers, granite, fishing, insurance and financial services, biotechnology, and tourism
How Massachusetts got its name: The name comes from the Native American Algonquian language. It means big hill place.
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Massachusetts State Symbols
State Nickname: Bay State
State Slogan: Make It Yours; The Spirit of America (on its license plate)
State Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
State flower: Mayflower
State bird: Black-capped Chickadee
State fish: Atlantic cod
State tree: Elm
State mammal: Right whale, Boston Terrier, Morgan horse
State foods: Corn Muffin, Baked Navy Bean, Boston Cream Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookie
Becoming a State
Date admitted: Wednesday, February 6, 1788
Number admitted: 6
Prior Name: Province of Massachusetts Bay, then sovereign state in Confederation
Postal Abbreviation: MA
The Geography of Massachusetts
Total Size: 7,840 sq. miles (source: 2003 Census)
Geographical Low Point: Atlantic Ocean at Sea Level (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Geographical High Point: Mt. Greylock at 3,491 feet, located in the county/subdivision of Berkshire (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Central Point: Located in Worcester County approx. North part of City of Worcester (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Counties: 14 (source: National Association of Counties)
Bodies of Water: Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Bay, Nantucket Sound, Charles River, Merrimack River, Connecticut River, Quabbin Reservoir
Famous People
Abigail Adams - First Lady who was married to John Adams.
John Adams - The second President of the United States and Founding Father.
