Massachusetts

History: Native American tribes of the Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Mahican, and Massachusetts inhabited the area of Massachusetts. The Pilgrims (first English settlers) arrived in 1620 at Plymouth on the ship ‘Mayflower’. Massachusetts was the second of the original 13 English colonies. The “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims with the Indians after their first harvest. The Puritans came later, establishing Massachusetts Bay Colony at what is now Boston in 1630. Massachusetts was an early leader in the fight for independence from Great Britain, and the first battles were fought there. After the Revolutionary War, Massachusetts became the 6^th state on February 6, 1788. Massachusetts is one of only four states that calls itself a ‘Commonwealth’.

Economy: In its early years, fishing, lumber, and shipbuilding were important parts of the Massachusetts economy. In the 1800’s, the state industrialized heavily to produce textiles, shoes, paper, and tools. Vital to the economy now is higher education, biotechnology, information technology, finance, health care, manufacturing, and defense. Tourism is significantly important, due to the state’s almost 400-year history and it’s great scenic beauty.

Climate: The majority of the state of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. In the furthest southeast coastal areas are humid subtropical climates. Because of its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Massachusetts is an easy target for hurricanes and tropical storms.

Geography: As far as size goes, Massachusetts is the 7^th smallest state of the United States. Almost 30% of its area is made up of water in lakes, bays, and rivers. It has a variety of distinctively different regions – the large coastal plain (eastern section) containing Greater Boston (where most of the population live), and the Cape Cod peninsula; the rural region of Central Massachusetts; and beyond that the Connecticut River Valley; then the western region is the highest part of the state, the Berkshires.

Fun Facts:

The ladybug is the Massachusetts state insect.
It is against the law to use tomatoes to make clam chowder in Massachusetts.
Basketball and Volleyball were both invented in Massachusetts.
The very first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor in 1716 (We Light the Way)
Cranberries are the official state berry.
The Mayflower, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere, and Lexington-Concord are all a part of Massachusetts major role in U.S. history.

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