 Massachusetts
Information
Capital
City: Boston
Economy: Technology,
industry, finance, agriculture and tourism.
Population: 6,379,304
Time Zone: 5 hours
behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed
from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
Massachusetts's
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.
History of Massachusetts: Massachusetts
has played a significant role in American history since the Pilgrims,
seeking religious freedom, founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. As one
of the most important of the 13 colonies, Massachusetts became a
leader in resisting British oppression. In 1773, the Boston Tea
Party protested unjust taxation. The Minute Men started the American
Revolution by battling British troops at Lexington and Concord on
April 19, 1775. During the 19th century, Massachusetts was famous
for the vigorous intellectual activity of its renowned writers and
educators and for its expanding commercial fishing, shipping, and
manufacturing interests. Massachusetts pioneered the manufacture
of textiles and shoes. Today, these industries have been replaced
in importance by activity in the electronics and communications
equipment fields. The state's cranberry crop is the nation's largest.
Also important are dairy and poultry products, nursery and greenhouse
produce, vegetables, and fruit. Tourism has become an important
factor in the economy of the state because of its numerous recreational
areas and historical landmarks. Cape Cod has summer theaters, water
sports, and an artists' colony at Provincetown. Tanglewood, in the
Berkshires, features the summer concerts of the Boston Symphony.
Among the many other points of interest are Old Sturbridge Village
in Sturbridge in central Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical
Park between Lexington and Concord, and, in Boston: Old North Church,
Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, and the John
F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
Other Massachusetts Links:
Massachusetts
Department of Education
Massachusetts Municipal Association
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Massachusetts Rural Development Council |
