Nicknames: Bay State

Capitol: Boston

Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem; By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty

Song: All Hail to Massachusetts words and music by: Arthur Marsh

Flower: Mayflower Epigaea regens

Tree: American Elm Ulmus americana

Bird: Chickadee

Gained Statehood: February 6, 1788

Name Origin: Named after local Indian tribe whose name means

World Wildlife Fund named Massachusetts as one of the world's top ten whale watching spots. For such a small state, Massachusetts has one of the largest state park systems. Waterfalls, spring blossoms, log cabins, historic estates, bike paths, mountaintop vistas, sandy ocean beaches, lakeside camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating and more can be found in Massachusetts parks.

The earliest European account of Massachuset's natives came in the 1500s. Native Americans in Massachusetts were mostly from the Algonquian Nation; tribes included the Massachuset, Nauset, Nipmuc, Pennacook, Pocumtuc, and Wampanoag. European settlers decimated the Indians in 1616 and 1617 with the introduction of diseases that could not be controlled. Legend states that Leif Ericson and his Norsemen touched here in the year 1000. It is also believed that fishermen from France and Spain visited the waters off the Grand Banks, fishing for cod. John Cabot's explorations in 1497 and 1498 helped England base her original claim to North America. In 1602 Bartholemew Gosnold christened Cape Cod for the fish that swam in it's bay. Two literature works contributed to the European fascination with the area. First John Smith wrote "Many iles all planted with corne; groves, mulberries, salvage gardens and good harbours" and William Wood, in 1634 wrote "New England Prospect". These literature works flamed great enthusiasm for the New England area and the promise of great harvest and wealth. Ironically colonization of the area was sparked not by those seeking wealth, but religious freedom. There they set up a democratic government following the terms of "Mayflower Compact", an agreement instructing all to conform to the will of the majority. With the help of the remaining native tribes the Wampanoag, the Squanto and Chief Massasoit the colony thrived and 1621 the first Thanksgiving was celebrated. In 1628 puritan emigrants led by John Endicott left England for Salem to join Roger Conant and those whe left the Cape Ann fishing station. A royal charter was granted in 1629 to the Massachusetts Bay Company to settle the territory "from sea to sea" that had been granted to the Puritans. This Royal Charter eventually led to America's first elected house. Massachusetts led the charge against British oppression. In 1773, the Boston Tea Party protested unjust taxation of the colonists. The Minute Men started the American Revolution by battling British troops at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Massachusetts pioneered the manufacture of textiles and shoes. Today, it excels in the electronics and communications equipment fields. The state's cranberry crop is the nation's second-largest. Massachusetts agriculture industry includes dairy and poultry products, nursery and greenhouse produce, vegetables, and fruit. Tourism is an important factor in the economy because of its many parks, recreational areas and historical landmarks.

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