| MASSACHUSETTS
|
|
| BOSTON |
|
| AREA |
10,555 sq miles (45th) (Land) 7,838 sq. miles (Water) 2,717 sq. miles
|
| CAPITAL |
Boston |
| FAMOUS DATES
|
Present constitution drafted: 1780 (oldest U.S. state constitution in effect today),
Entered Union (rank): Feb. 6, 1788 (6)
|
| LOCATION
|
42.336N, 071.017W |
| MEAN ELEVATION
|
500 ft |
| HIGHEST
POINT |
Mt. Greylock; 3491 feet, 31st |
| LOWEST
POINT |
Atlantic coast; sea level, 3rd |
| COUNTIES |
(14), but 7 have no form of government, and are geographical census areas only. |
| COASTLINE |
192 miles |
| GEOGRAPHIC CENTER |
Worcester
|
| STATE FOSSIL
|
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| STATE GRASS
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| STATE REPTILE
|
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| STATE ROCK
|
Roxbury Pudding Stone (Jasper) |
| STATE GEMSTONE
|
Rhodonite |
| STATE FLAG
|
On a white field is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachuset. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward representing peace. The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states. Around the shield is a blue ribbon with the motto:" By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty".Above the shield is a arm and sword, representing the first part of the motto. Flag adopted 1915, amended 1971 |
| STATE COLORS
|
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| STATE SEAL
|
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| STATE SLOGAN
|
Our Taxes Are Lower Than Sweden's (For Most Tax Brackets) |
| STATE
MOTTO
|
Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem |
| STATE SONG
|
"All Haid to Massachusetts" |
| STATE TREE
|
American elm (1941) |
| STATE BIRD
|
chickadee (1941) |
| STATE ANIMAL
|
Right Whale |
| STATE FISH
|
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| STATE METAL
|
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| STATE NICKNAMES
|
Bay State; Old Colony State |
| STATE FLOWER
|
Mayflower Epigaea regens |
| BORDERING
STATES
|
Connecticut New Hampshire New York Rhode Island Vermont |
