State of Massachusetts
Nicknames: The Bay State, The Old Colony State
Motto(s): Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
Date of Statehood: February 6, 1788 (6th state)
State Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts” by Arthur J. Marsh
Massachusetts Flag History
The flag of Massachusetts, officially adopted in 1908 and revised in 1971, carries profound historical significance and reflects the state’s enduring values. The flag features the state’s coat of arms centered on a white field. The coat of arms includes an Algonquian Native American holding a bow and arrow, with the arrow pointing downward, signifying peace. Above the shield is a white star, representing Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen colonies.
The shield’s blue shield bears the image of an arm and sword, symbolizing the first part of the state motto and representing the willingness to defend the state’s liberty. The arm itself is modeled after the one on the coat of arms of England, signifying the historical connection and the struggles for independence and liberty.
The Massachusetts flag is a testament to the state’s rich history, its fight for liberty, and the values that guide it. The flag’s elements—a Native American, a star, and a sword—serve as reminders of the state’s beginnings, its role in the founding of the United States, and its commitment to peace and liberty.
Massachusetts Quick Facts
Capital City: Boston
Abbreviation: MA
Population: Approximately 6.9 million
Region: Northeast, New England
Origin of State Name: Named after the Massachusett tribe; the name is thought to mean “near the great hill,” referring to the Blue Hills south of Boston.
Sports Teams: Boston Red Sox (MLB), New England Patriots (NFL), Boston Celtics (NBA), Boston Bruins (NHL)
Bordering States: New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island
Area Codes: 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978
Highest Point: Mount Greylock at 3,489 feet (1,063 meters)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geography of Massachusetts
Area: 10,565 square miles (27,336 square kilometers), 44th largest
Land: 7,800 square miles (20,202 square kilometers), 45th largest
Water: 2,715 square miles (7,034 square kilometers), 18th largest
Coastline: 192 miles (309 kilometers)
Shoreline: 1,519 miles (2,445 kilometers), including islands and inlets
Largest Cities:
- Boston
- Worcester
- Springfield
- Cambridge
- Lowell
- Brockton
- New Bedford
- Quincy
- Lynn
- Fall River
- Newton
- Somerville
- Lawrence
- Framingham
- Haverhill
National Parks:
- Boston National Historical Park
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Lowell National Historical Park
- Minute Man National Historical Park
- New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
- Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Massachusetts State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Black-capped Chickadee
State Animal: Right whale
State Amphibian: None
State Butterfly: None
State Fish: Cod
State Flower: Mayflower (Epigaea repens)
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Ladybug
State Mammal: Right whale, Morgan horse (state horse)
State Reptile: None
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Cranberry
State Gemstone: Rhodonite
State Soil: Paxton soil
State Tree: American Elm
State Quarter: Issued in 2000 featuring a Minuteman and the state outline
State Beverage: Cranberry juice
State Colors: Blue, green, cranberry
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Boston Cream Pie, Cranberry Juice
State Fossil: None
State Mineral: Babingtonite
State Rock: Roxbury Puddingstone