This article is about the U.S. state. For other uses, see Massachusetts (disambiguation). Commonwealth of Massachusetts Flag Seal Nickname(s): The Bay State Motto(s): Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (Latin) Official language(s) None Demonym Bay Stater1 Capital Boston Largest city Boston Largest metro area Greater Boston Area  Ranked 44th in the US  - Total 10,5552 sq mi (27,336 km2)  - Width 183 miles (295 km)  - Length 113 miles (182 km)  - % water 25.7  - Latitude 41° 14′ N to 42° 53′ N  - Longitude 69° 56′ W to 73° 30′ W Population  Ranked 14th in the US  - Total (2010) 6,547,6293 - Density 809.8/sq mi  (312.7/km2) Ranked 3rd in the US  - Median income  $65,401 (2008) (6th) Elevation    - Highest point Mount Greylock4 3,492 ft  (1,064 m)  - Mean 500 ft  (150 m)  - Lowest point Atlantic Ocean4 0 ft  (0 m) Before statehood Province of Massachusetts Bay Admission to Union  February 6, 1788 (6th) Governor Deval Patrick (D) Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray (D) Legislature General Court  - Upper house Senate  - Lower house House of Representatives U.S. Senators John Kerry (D) Scott Brown (R) U.S. House delegation 10 Democrats (list) Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4 Abbreviations MA Mass. US-MA Website http://www.mass.gov Massachusetts State Symbols Animate insignia Bird(s) Black-capped Chickadee, Wild Turkey Fish Cod Flower(s) Mayflower Insect Ladybug Mammal(s) Right whale, Morgan horse, Tabby cat, Boston Terrier Reptile Garter snake Tree American Elm Inanimate insignia Beverage Cranberry Juice Colors Blue, Green, Cranberry Dance Square Dance Food Cranberry, Corn muffin, Navy bean, Boston cream pie, Chocolate chip cookie, Boston cream donut Fossil Mastodon Gemstone Rhodonite Mineral Babingtonite Poem "Blue Hills of Massachusetts" Rock Roxbury Puddingstone Shell Wrinkled Whelk Ship(s) Schooner Ernestina Slogan(s) Make It Yours, The Spirit of America Soil Paxton Song(s) All Hail to Massachusetts Sport Basketball Route marker(s) State Quarter Released in 2000 Lists of United States state insignia The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (i /ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsɪts/) is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. Most of its population of 6.6 million lives in the Boston metropolitan area. The eastern half of the state consists of urban, suburban, and rural areas, while Western Massachusetts is mostly rural. Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states and ranks third among U.S. states in GDP per capita. Massachusetts has been significant throughout American history. Plymouth was the second permanent English settlement in North America. Many of Massachusetts's towns were founded by colonists from England in the 1620s and 1630s. During the 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the agitation there that led to the American Revolution and the independence of the United States from Great Britain. It was also a center of the temperance movement and abolitionist activity before the American Civil War. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize same-sex marriage. The state has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including the Adams family and the Kennedy family. Originally dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade with Europe, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, the state's economy shifted from manufacturing to services. Today, the state is a leader in higher education, health care technology, high technology, and financial services. Contents 1 Name 2 Geography 2.1 Ecology 3 History 3.1 Early 3.2 Colonial period 3.3 Federal period 3.4 19th century 3.5 20th century 4 Demographics 4.1 Race and ancestry 4.2 Religion 5 Economy 6 Transportation 6.1 Air service 6.2 Road 7 Government and politics 7.1 Government 7.2 Politics 8 Cities, towns, and counties 9 Education 10 Arts and culture 11 Media 12 Health 13 Sports and recreation 13.1 Organized sports 13.2 Outdoor recreation 14 See also 15 References 15.1 Notes 15.2 Bibliography 16 Further reading 16.1 Overviews and surveys 16.2 Secondary sources 17 External links 18 Related information // Name The Massachusetts Bay Colony was named after the indigenous population, the Massachusett, whose name can be segmented as mass-adchu-s-et, where mass- is "large", -adchu- is "hill", -s- is a diminutive suffix meaning "small", and -et is a locative suffix, identifying a place. It has been translated as "near the great hill",5 "by the blue hills", "at the little big hill", or "at the range of hills", referring to the Blue Hills, or in particular, Great Blue Hill, located on the boundary of Milton and Canton.67 Alternatively, Massachusett has been represented as Moswetuset, from the name of the Moswetuset Hummock (meaning "hill shaped like an arrowhead") in Quincy where Plymouth Colony commander Miles Standish and Squanto, a Native American, met Chief Chickatawbut in 1621.89 The official name of the state is the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts".10 Colloquially, it is often referred to simply as "the Commonwealth." While this designation is part of the state's official name, it has no practical implications. Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states.11 Geography Main article: Geography of Massachusetts Prominent roads and cities in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, and has an area of 10,555 square miles (27,340 km2).2 It is bordered on the north by New Hampshire and Vermont, on the west by New York, on the south by Connecticut and Rhode Island, and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the state is uplands of resistant metamorphic rock that were scraped by Pleistocene glaciers that deposited moraines and outwash on a large, sandy, arm-shaped peninsula called Cape Cod and the islands Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to the south of Cape Cod. Upland elevations increase to the north and west and the highest point in the state is Mount Greylock at 3,491 feet (1,064 m) near the state's northwest corner.4 View of the Connecticut River and north-central Pioneer Valley from Mt. Sugarloaf, South Deerfield. The uplands are interrupted by the downfaulted Pioneer Valley along the Connecticut River and further west by the Housatonic Valley separating the Berkshire Hills from the Taconic Range along the western border with New York. Boston is located at the innermost point of Massachusetts Bay, at the mouth of the Charles River, the longest river entirely within Massachusetts.12 Most of the population of the Boston metropolitan area (approximately 4.4 million) does not live in the city proper; eastern Massachusetts on the whole is fairly densely populated and largely suburban as far west as Worcester. Central Massachusetts encompasses Worcester County, and includes the cities of Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Southbridge and small upland towns, forests, and small farms. The Quabbin Reservoir borders the western side of the county, and is the main water supply for the eastern part of the state.1314 The Pioneer Valley along the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts is urbanized from the Connecticut border (and greater Hartford) north as far as Northampton, and includes Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam, West Springfield, Westfield, and Holyoke. Pioneer Valley economy and population was influenced by agriculturally productive Connecticut River Valley land in the 17th and 18th century, water power for the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century and expansion of higher education in the 20th century. Massachusetts terrain features a low coastal plain in the east, the New England uplands, the Pioneer Valley, and the Berkshire and Taconic Mountains in the west. The remainder of the state west of Pioneer Valley is mainly uplands including the hilltowns immediately to the west, then a range of low mountains known as the Berkshires and parts of the Taconic and Hoosac Ranges. It largely remained in aboriginal hands until the 18th century when Scotch-Irish settlers arrived and found more productive lowlands along the Connecticut River already settled. Availability of better land in western New York and then the Northwest Territory put upland agricultural population into decline, but available water power led to 19th century settlement along upland rivers. Pittsfield and North Adams grew into small cities and there are a number of smaller mill towns along the Westfield and Housatonic Rivers. The National Park Service administers a number of natural and historical sites in Massachusetts.15 Along with twelve national historic sites, areas, and corridors, the National Park Service also manages the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.15 In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains a number of parks, trails, and beaches throughout the commonwealth.161718 Ecology The primary biome of inland Massachusetts is temperate deciduous forest.19 Although much of the state had been cleared for agriculture, leaving only traces of old growth forest in isolated pockets, secondary growth has regenerated in many rural areas as farms have been abandoned.20 Currently, forests cover around 62% of Massachusetts.2122 The areas most affected by human development include the Greater Boston area in the east, the smaller Springfield metropolitan area in the west, and the largely agricultural Pioneer Valley.23 Animals that have become locally extinct over the past few centuries include gray wolves, elk, wolverines, and mountain lions.24 Many coastal areas in Massachusetts provide breeding areas for species such as the Piping Plover.

A number of species are doing well, despite, and in some cases because of the increased urbanization of the commonwealth. Peregrine falcons utilize office towers in larger cities as nesting areas,25 and the population of coyotes, whose diet may include garbage and roadkill, has been increasing in recent decades.26 White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys and eastern gray squirrels are also found throughout Massachusetts.2427 In more rural areas in the western part of the state, larger mammals such as moose and black bears have returned, largely due to reforestation following the regional decline in agriculture.2829 Massachusetts is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for migratory waterfowl along the Atlantic coast.30 Lakes in central Massachusetts provide habitat for the common loon,31 while a significant population of long-tailed ducks winter off Nantucket.32 Small offshore islands and beaches are home to roseate terns and are important breeding areas for the locally threatened piping plover.3334 Protected areas such as the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge provide critical breeding habitat for shorebirds and a variety of marine wildlife including a large population of gray seals.35 Freshwater fish species in the commonwealth include bass, carp, catfish, and trout,36 while saltwater species such as Atlantic cod, haddock and American lobster populate offshore waters.37 Other marine species include Harbor seals, the endangered North Atlantic right whales, as well as humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins.24 History Main article: History of Massachusetts Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor by William Halsall (1882) The Pilgrims were a group of Puritans who founded Plymouth in 1620. Early Massachusetts was originally inhabited by tribes of the Algonquian linguistic family such as the Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Mahican, and Massachusett.3839 While cultivation of crops like squash and corn supplemented their diets, these tribes were generally dependent on hunting, gathering and fishing for most of their food supply.38 Villages consisted of lodges called wigwams as well as long houses,39 and tribes were led by male or female elders known as sachems.40 In the early 1600s, large numbers of the indigenous people in the northeast of what is now the United States were killed by virgin soil epidemics such as smallpox, measles, influenza, and perhaps leptospirosis.41 In 1617–1619, smallpox reportedly killed 90% of the Massachusetts Bay Native Americans.42 The epidemics' high mortality resulted in exensive restructuring of Native politics, with the survivors of previously strong villages banding together to form new alliances - a situation which may have increased their vulnerability during the English invasion. Colonial period The first English settlers in Massachusetts, the Pilgrims, established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620, and developed friendly relations with the native Wampanoag.43 This was the second successful permanent English colony in North America, after the Jamestown Colony. The Pilgrims were soon followed by more Puritans who established the Massachusetts Bay Colony at present-day Boston in 1630.44 The Puritans, who believed the Church of England was too hierarchical (among other disagreements) came to Massachusetts for religious freedom.45 Both religious dissention and expansionism resulted in several new colonies being founded shortly after Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay. Dissenters such as Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were banished due to religious disagreements; in 1636, Williams founded the colony of Rhode Island and Hutchinson joined him there several years later.46 In 1636, a group of Massachusetts clergymen traveled southwest to found Hartford, Connecticut. By this time, the colonists had also begun to settle the inland Pioneer Valley along the Connecticut River, where the state's best agricultural land is concentrated.47 Early racial tensions led to several wars between Native Americans and whites in the 17th century, including the Pequot War between 1634–38 and King Philips War (primarily against the Wampanoags) between 1675-76.4849 Both wars ended in victories for the whites and their Native allies.4849 In 1691, Massachusetts became a single colony, combining Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony (along with present-day Maine).50 In part due to a delay in establishing a new unified political system, the Salem witch trials, in which a number of women were hanged, occurred at this time.50 During the French and Indian War, Governor William Shirley was instrumental in the Expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia and trying to settle them in New England; Shirley also was involved in transporting New England Planters to settle Nova Scotia on the former Acadian farms.51 In 1755, about 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, was the most destructive earthquake yet known in New England. The first pulsations of the ground were followed for about a minute of tremulous motion. Next came a quick vibration and several jerks much worse than the first. Houses rocked and cracked; furniture fell over. Dr. Edward A. Holyoke, of Salem, Massachusetts, wrote in his diary that he "thought of nothing less than being buried instantly in the ruins of the house." The shaking continued for two to three minutes more, and seemed to move from northwest to southeast. The ocean along the coast was affected; ships shook so much that sleeping sailors awoke, thinking they had run aground. In Boston, the earthquake threw dishes on the floor, stopped clocks, and bent vane-rods on churches and Faneuil Hall. Stone walls collapsed. New springs appeared, and old springs dried up. Subterranean streams changed their courses, emptying many wells. The worst damage was to chimneys. In Boston alone, about a hundred were leveled; about fifteen hundred were damaged, the streets in some places almost covered with fallen bricks. Falling chimneys broke some roofs. Many wooden buildings in Boston were thrown down, and some brick buildings suffered; the gable ends of twelve or fifteen were knocked down to the eaves. Despite the danger and many narrow escapes, no one was killed or seriously injured. Aftershocks continued for four days.52 Percy's Rescue at Lexington by Ralph Earl and Amos Doolittle from 1775, an illustration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Massachusetts was a center of the movement for independence from Great Britain, earning it the nickname, the "Cradle of Liberty". Colonists here had long had uneasy relations with the British monarchy, including open rebellion under the Dominion of New England in the 1680s.50 The Boston Tea Party is an example of the protest spirit in the early 1770s, while the Boston Massacre escalated the conflict.53 Anti-British activity by men like Sam Adams and John Hancock, followed by reprisals by the British government, were a primary reason for the unity of the Thirteen Colonies and the outbreak of the American Revolution.54 The Battles of Lexington and Concord initiated the American Revolutionary War and were fought in the Massachusetts towns of Concord and Lexington.55 Future President George Washington took over what would become the Continental Army after the battle. His first victory was the Siege of Boston in the winter of 1775-6, after which the British were forced to evacuate the city.56 The event is still celebrated in Suffolk County as Evacuation Day.57 Federal period Bostonian John Adams, known as the "Atlas of Independence", was an important figure in both the struggle for independence as well as the formation of the new United States.58 Adams was highly involved in the push for separation from Britain and the writing of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780 (which, in the Elizabeth Freeman and Quock Walker cases, effectively made Massachusetts the first state to have a constitution that declared universal rights and, as interpreted by Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice William Cushing, abolished slavery).5859 Later, Adams was active in early American foreign affairs and succeeded Washington as US President.58 His son, John Quincy Adams, would go on to become the sixth US President.58 After independence and during the formative years of independent American government, Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in the western half of the state from 1786 to 1787. The rebels were mostly small farmers angered by crushing war debt and taxes. The rebellion was one of the major factors in the decision to draft a stronger national constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.60 On February 6, 1788, Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.61 19th century In 1820, Maine separated from Massachusetts, of which it had been first a contiguous and then a non-contiguous part, and entered the Union as the 23rd state as a result of the ratification of the Missouri Compromise.62 Textile mills such as the Boott Mills in Lowell made Massachusetts a leader in the US industrial revolution. During the 19th century, Massachusetts became a national leader in the American Industrial Revolution, with the development factories producing textiles, machine tools, shoes, and later paper products.6364 The economy transformed from one based primarily on agriculture to an industrial one, initially making use of waterpower and later the steam engine to power factories, and canals and later railroads for transporting goods and materials.65 At first, the new industries drew labor from Yankees on nearby subsistence farms, and later relied upon immigrant labor from Europe and Canada.6667 In the years leading up to the Civil War, Massachusetts was a center of social progressivism, Transcendentalism, and abolitionist activity. Horace Mann made the state system of schools the national model.68 Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson made major contributions to American thought.69 Members of the Transcendentalism movement, they emphasized the importance of the natural world and emotion to humanity.69 Although significant opposition to abolitionism existed early on in Massachusetts, resulting in anti-abolitionist riots between 1835 and 1837,70 opposition to slavery gradually increased in the next few decades.7172 The works of abolitionists contributed to subsequent actions of the state during the Civil War. Massachusetts was the first state to recruit, train, and arm a Black regiment with White officers, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.73 The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston Common contains a relief depicting the 54th regiment.74 20th century Part of the "Big Dig" construction project; this portion is over the Charles River.

The industrial economy began a decline in the early 20th century with the exodus of many manufacturing companies. By the 1920s competition from the South, followed by the Great Depression, led to the collapse of Massachusetts' two main industries, textiles and shoemaking.75 This decline would continue into the latter half of the century; between 1950 and 1979, the number of Bay Staters involved in textile manufacturing declined from 264,000 to 63,000.76 In the years following World War II, the Massachusetts economy was transformed from one based on heavy industry to a service and high-tech based economy.77 Government contracts, private investment, and research facilities led to a new and improved industrial climate, with reduced unemployment and increased per capita income. Suburbanization flourished, and by the 1970s, the Route 128 corridor was dotted with high-technology companies who recruited graduates of the area's many elite institutions of higher education.78 The Kennedy family was prominent in Massachusetts politics in the 20th century. Children of businessman and ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. included John F. Kennedy, who was a senator and US president before his assassination in 1963, Robert F. Kennedy, who was a senator, US attorney general and presidential candidate before his assassination in 1968, Ted Kennedy, a senator from 1962 until his death in 2009,79 and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a co-founder of the Special Olympics.80 The famous Kennedy Compound is located at Hyannisport on Cape Cod.81 In 1987, the state received federal funding for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project. Known as "the Big Dig", it was at the time the biggest federal highway project ever approved.82 The project included making the Central Artery a tunnel under downtown Boston, in addition to the re-routing of several other major highways.83 Often controversial, with numerous claims of graft and mismanagement, and with its initial price tag of $2.5 billion increasing to a final tally of over $15 billion, the Big Dig has nonetheless changed the face of Downtown Boston.82 It has connected areas that were once divided by elevated highway, (much of the raised old Central Artery was replaced with the Rose Kennedy Greenway) and improved traffic conditions along a number of routes.8283 Demographics Main article: Demographics of Massachusetts Massachusetts population density map Historical populations Census Pop. %± 1790 378,787 — 1800 422,845 11.6% 1810 472,040 11.6% 1820 523,287 10.9% 1830 610,408 16.6% 1840 737,699 20.9% 1850 994,514 34.8% 1860 1,231,066 23.8% 1870 1,457,351 18.4% 1880 1,783,085 22.4% 1890 2,238,947 25.6% 1900 2,805,346 25.3% 1910 3,366,416 20.0% 1920 3,852,356 14.4% 1930 4,249,614 10.3% 1940 4,316,721 1.6% 1950 4,690,514 8.7% 1960 5,148,578 9.8% 1970 5,689,170 10.5% 1980 5,737,037 0.8% 1990 6,016,425 4.9% 2000 6,349,097 5.5% 2010 6,547,629 3.1% Sources:84858687 Massachusetts had an estimated 2009 population of 6,593,587.84 As of 2000, Massachusetts was estimated to be the third most densely populated U.S. state, with 809.8 per square mile, behind New Jersey and Rhode Island.2 Massachusetts in 2004 included 919,771 foreign-born residents.88 Most Bay Staters live within the Boston Metropolitan Area, also known as Greater Boston. Eastern Massachusetts is more urban than Western Massachusetts, which is primarily rural, save for the cities of Springfield, Chicopee, and Northampton, which serve as centers of population density in the Pioneer Valley of the Connecticut River. The center of population of Massachusetts is located in Middlesex County, in the town of Natick.89 Like the rest of the northeastern United States, the population of Massachusetts has continued to grow in the past few decades, although at a slower pace than states in the South or West.90 The latest census estimates show that the commonwealth's population grew by 3.9% since 2000, compared with nearly 10% nationwide. Although many residents are leaving the state, foreign immigration is making up for this loss, causing the population to continue to grow.9091 40% of foreign immigrants were from Central or South America, according to a 2005 Census Bureau study.90 The study also showed a 15.4% increase in immigrants living in Massachusetts households.90 Many areas of the commonwealth showed relatively stable population trends between 1990 and 2000.91 Exurban Boston and coastal areas grew the most rapidly, while Berkshire and Hampden counties both showed slight declines in the last census.91 The most commonly cited reasons for leaving the state include the high costs of living and better employment opportunities elsewhere.90 Another factor has been the transformation from a manufacturing economy to one based on high technology, leaving limited employment options for lower-skilled workers, particularly males.92 In 2005, 79% of Bay Staters spoke English, 7% spoke Spanish, 3.5% spoke Portuguese, and 1% spoke either French or Chinese.93 Race and ancestry According to the US Census Bureau, the 2008 racial makeup of the commonwealth was as follows:88 White - 82.7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) - 8.3% Black or African American - 6.1% Asian - 4.8% Other - 4.3% Two or more races - 1.9% Native American/American Indian - 0.2% The five largest reported ancestries in Massachusetts are:94 Irish (23.8%), Italian (14.2%), French/French Canadian (or Franco-American) (12.9%), English (11.8%), and German (6.7%). As late as 1795, the population of Massachusetts was nearly uniformily (95%) of British ancestry.95 During the early and mid 19th century, immigrant groups began arriving to the commonwealth in large numbers; first from Ireland in the 1840s,96 and later from Quebec as well as places in Europe such as Italy and Poland.97 In the early 20th century, a number of African Americans immigrated to Massachusetts, although in somewhat fewer numbers than many other Northern states.98 Later in the 20th century, immigration from Latin America, Africa, and East Asia increased considerably. Massachusetts has the third largest population of Haitians in the United States.99 Massachusetts also has a relatively large population of Portuguese descent. Many of the earliest Portuguese-speaking immigrants came from the Azores in the 19th century to work in the whaling industry in cities like New Bedford.100101 Later, further waves of Portuguese arrived, this time often finding work in the textile mills.101 Lowell is home to the second largest Cambodian (Khmer) community in the nation.102 The Wampanoag tribe maintains reservations at Aquinnah, at Grafton, on Martha's Vineyard, and at Mashpee on Cape Cod,103104 while the Nipmuck maintain two state-recognized reservations in the central part of the state. While Massachusetts had avoided many of the more violent forms of racial strife seen elsewhere in the US, examples such as the successful electoral showings of the nativist (mainly anti-Catholic) Know Nothings in the 1850s,105 the controversial Sacco and Vanzetti executions in the 1920s,106 and Boston's opposition to desegregation busing in the 1970s107 show that the ethnic history of the commonwealth was not completely harmonious. Religion Massachusetts was founded and settled by Puritans in the 17th century. The descendants of the Puritans belong to many different churches; in the direct line of inheritance are the Congregational/United Church of Christ, and congregations of Unitarian Universalist Association. The headquarters of the Unitarian Universalist Association is located on Beacon Hill in Boston.108 Today Protestants make up less than 1/4 of the state's population. Roman Catholics now predominate because of massive immigration from primarily Ireland, followed by Italy, Quebec, and Latin America. A large Jewish population came to the Boston area 1880–1920. Mary Baker Eddy made the Boston Mother Church of Christian Science the world headquarters. Buddhists, Pagans, Hindus, Seventh-day Adventists, Muslims, and Mormons also can be found. Kripalu Center in Stockbridge and the Insight Meditation Center in Barre are examples of non-western religious centers in Massachusetts. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives the largest single denominations are the Roman Catholic Church with 3,092,296; the United Church of Christ with 121,826; and the Episcopal Church with 98,963 adherents. Jewish congregations had about 275,000 members.109 The religious affiliations of the people of Massachusetts, according to a 2001 survey, are shown below:110 Built in 1681, the Old Ship Church in Hingham is the oldest church in America in continuous ecclesiastical use.111 Christian - 68% Catholic - 44% Protestant - 24% General Protestant or other Protestant - 11% Baptist - 4% Congregational/United Church of Christ - 3% Episcopal - 3% Other or non-denominational Christian - 3% Jewish - 2% Other - 7% No Religion - 16% Refused to answer - 7% Economy Federal Reserve Bank tower in Boston. The United States Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Massachusetts' gross state product in 2008 was US$365 billion.112 The per capita personal income in 2008 was $50,735, making it the third highest state in the nation.113 13 Fortune 500 companies are located in the commonwealth, the largest of which is Liberty Mutual Insurance Group.114 Sectors vital to the Massachusetts economy include higher education, biotechnology, finance, health care, and tourism. Route 128 was a major center for the development of minicomputers and electronics.78 High technology remains an important sector, though few of the largest technology companies are based there. In recent years tourism has played an ever-important role in the state's economy, with Boston and Cape Cod being the leading destinations. Other popular tourist destinations include Salem, Plymouth and the Berkshires. As of April 2010, the state's unemployment rate was 9.2%.115 As of 2005, there were 7,700 farms in Massachusetts encompassing a total of 520,000 acres (2,100 km2), averaging 68 acres (0.28 km2) apiece.116 Almost 2,300 of Massachusetts' 6,100 farms grossed under $2,500 in 2007.116 Particular agricultural products of note include tobacco, livestock, and fruits, tree nuts, and berries, for which the state is nationally ranked 11th, 17th, and 16th, respectively.116 Massachusetts is the second largest cranberry producing state in the union (after Wisconsin).117 Cape Cod Bay, a leading tourist destination in Massachusetts. Tourism is of growing importance to the state's economy.

Massachusetts' overall state and local tax burden ranks 23rd highest in the United States.118 Massachusetts has a flat-rate personal income tax of 5.3%,118 with an exemption for income below a threshold that varies from year to year. The corporate income tax rate is 8.8%,118 and the capital gains tax rate was 12%.119 The state imposes a 6.25% sales tax118 on retail sales of tangible personal property—except for groceries, clothing (up to $175.00), and periodicals.120 The sales tax is charged on clothing that costs more than $175.00.120 All real and tangible personal property located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is taxable unless specifically exempted by statute. Property taxes in the state were the eighth highest in the nation.118 There is no inheritance tax and limited Massachusetts estate tax related to federal estate tax collection.119 See also: Massachusetts locations by per capita income Transportation See also: Category:Transportation in Massachusetts The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, serving Greater Boston. Massachusetts has 10 regional metropolitan planning organizations and three non-metropolitan planning organizations covering the remainder of the state; statewide planning is handled by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates public transportation in the form of subway,121 bus122 and ferry123 systems in the Metro Boston area. It also operates longer distance commuter rail services throughout the larger Greater Boston area, including service to Worcester and Providence, Rhode Island.124 Amtrak operates inter-city rail, including the high-speed Acela service to cities such as Providence, New Haven, New York City, and Washington, D.C.125 Fifteen other regional transit authorities provide public transportation in the form of bus services in their local communities.126 Two heritage railways are in operation: the Cape Cod Central Railroad and the Berkshire Scenic Railway.127128 As of 2006, a number of freight railroads were operating in Massachusetts, with CSX being the largest carrier. Massachusetts has a total of 1,079 miles (1,736 km) of freight trackage in operation.129 The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority regulates freight and passenger ferry service to the islands and operates some of those lines.130 Air service Logan International Airport, New England's largest transportation center (BOS)in Boston, Massachusetts). The major airport in the state is Logan International Airport. The airport served over 28 million passengers in 2007 and is used by around 50 airlines.131 Logan, Hanscom Field in Bedford, and Worcester Regional Airport are operated by Massport, an independent state transportation agency.131 Massachusetts has approximately 42 public-use airfields, and over 200 private landing spots.132 Some airports receive funding from the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration; FAA is also the primary regulator. Further information: List of airports in Massachusetts Road There are a total of 31,300 miles (50,400 km) of interstates and highways in Massachusetts.133 Interstate 90, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, is the longest interstate in the commonwealth. The route runs 136 mi (219 km) generally west to east from the New York state line near the town of West Stockbridge and passes just north of Springfield, just south of Worcester and through Framingham before terminating near Logan International Airport in Boston. Other major interstates include Interstate 91, which runs generally north and south along the Connecticut River, Interstate 93, which runs north and south through central Boston, then passes Methuen and Lawrence before entering New Hampshire. Interstate 95, which follows most of the US Atlantic coastline, connects Providence, Rhode Island with Greater Boston, forming a loop around the more urbanized areas (for some distance cosigned with Route 128) before continuing north along the coast. Interstate 495 forms a wide loop around the outer edge of Greater Boston. Other major interstates in the commonwealth include I-291, I-391, I-84, I-195, I-395, I-290, and I-190. Major non-interstate highways in Massachusetts include U.S. Routes 1, 3, 6, and 20, and state routes 2, 3, 24 and 128. A great majority of interstates in Massachusetts were constructed during the mid 20th century, and at times were controversial, particularly the routing of I-95 through central Boston. Opposition to continued construction grew, and in 1970 Governor Francis W. Sargent issued a general prohibition on most further freeway construction within the I-95/Route 128 loop in the Boston area.134 A massive undertaking to depress I-93 in downtown Boston, called the Big Dig, has brought the city's highway system under public scrutiny over the last decade.82 Government and politics Massachusetts State House facing Boston Common The government of Massachusetts is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The commonwealth has a long political history; earlier political structures included the Mayflower Compact of 1620, the separate Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies, and the combined colonial Province of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Constitution was ratified in 1780 while the Revolutionary War was in progress, four years after the Articles of Confederation was drafted, and eight years before the present United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788. Drafted by John Adams, the Commonwealth's constitution is one of the oldest functioning written constitutions in continuous effect in the world.135 In recent decades, Massachusetts politics have been generally dominated by the Democratic Party, and the state has a reputation for being one of the most liberal in the country. Government Main article: Government of Massachusetts The Government of Massachusetts is divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The governor of Massachusetts heads the executive branch; duties of the governor include signing or vetoing legislation, filling judicial and agency appointments, granting pardons, preparing an annual budget, and commanding the Massachusetts National Guard.136 Massachusetts governors, unlike those of most other states, are addressed as His/Her Excellency.136 The current governor is Deval Patrick, a Democrat from Milton. The executive branch also includes the Executive Council, which is made up of eight elected councilors and the Lieutenant Governor.136 Abilities of the Council include confirming gubanatorial appointments and certifying elections.136 The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts Senate comprise the legislature of the commonwealth, known as the Massachusetts General Court.136 The House consists of 160 members while the Senate has 40 members.136 Leaders of the House and Senate are chosen by the members of those bodies; the leader of the House is known as the Speaker while the leader of the Senate is known as the President.136 Each branch consists of several committees.136 Members of both bodies are elected to two-year terms. The Judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Judicial Court, which serves over a number of lower courts.136 The Supreme Judicial Court is made up of a chief justice and six associate justices.136 Judicial appointments are made by the governor and confirmed by the executive council.136 Massachusetts's Congressional delegation is nearly entirely Democratic.137138 Currently, the U.S. senators are Democrat John Kerry and Republican Scott Brown. The ten members of the state's delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives (all Democrats) are John Olver, Richard Neal, Jim McGovern, Barney Frank, Niki Tsongas, John F. Tierney, Ed Markey, Mike Capuano, Stephen Lynch, and Bill Keating.138 Federal court cases are heard in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and appeals are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.139 In US presidential elections, Massachusetts is allotted 12 votes in the electoral college, out of a total of 538.140 Like most states, the commonwealth's electoral votes are granted in a winner-take-all system.141 Politics Main article: Politics of Massachusetts Presidential elections results Year Republican Democratic 2008 36.20% 1,105,908 62.01% 1,894,067 2004 36.83% 1,070,109 61.92% 1,803,801 2000 32.51% 878,502 59.93% 1,616,487 1996 28.11% 718,107 61.52% 1,571,763 1992 29.04% 805,049 47.51% 1,318,662 1988 45.42% 1,194,635 53.23% 1,401,416 Throughout the mid 20th century, Massachusetts has gradually shifted from a Republican-leaning state to one largely dominated by Democrats; the 1952 victory of John F. Kennedy over incumbent Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. is seen as a watershed moment in this transformation.142 Massachusetts has since gained a reputation as being a politically liberal state and is often used as an archetype of modern liberalism, hence the usage of the phrase "Massachusetts liberal".143 Massachusetts routinely votes for the Democratic Party in federal elections. As of the 2006 election, the Republican party holds less than 13% of the seats in both legislative houses of the General Court: in the House, the balance is 141 Democratic to 19 Republican, and in the Senate, 35–5.144 Although Republicans held the governor's office continuously from 1991 to 2007, they have been among the more socially liberal Republican leaders in the nation.145146 In the 2004 election, Massachusetts gave native son John Kerry 61.9% of the vote and his largest margin of victory in any state.147 In 2008, President Barack Obama carried the state with 61.8% of the vote.148 In a recent statewide election, a special election in 2010 for the U.S. Senate, saw Republican Scott Brown defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in an upset, by a 52% to 47% margin.149 A number of contemporary national political issues have been influenced by events in the commonwealth, such as the 2003 state Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage150 and a 2006 bill which mandated health insurance for all Bay Staters.151 In 2008, Massachusetts voters passed an initiative decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.152 Further information: Political party strength in Massachusetts Cities, towns, and counties Boston, the capital and largest city of Massachusetts. Main article: Local Government

There are 50 cities and 301 towns in Massachusetts, grouped into 14 counties.153 The fourteen counties, moving roughly from west to east, are Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket. Eleven communities which call themselves "towns" are, by law, cities since they have traded the town meeting form of government for a mayor-council or manager-council form.154 Boston is the state capital and largest city in Massachusetts. The population of the city proper is 609,023,155 and Greater Boston, with a population of 4,522,858, is the 10th largest metropolitan area in the nation.156 Other cities with a population over 100,000 include Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge.157 Plymouth is the largest municipality in the state by land area.153 Massachusetts, along with the five other New England states, features the local governmental structure known as the New England town.158 In this structure, incorporated towns—as opposed to townships or counties—hold many of the responsibilities and powers of local government.158 Some of the county governments were abolished by the commonwealth in 1997, and elect only a sheriff and registrar of deed who are part of the state government.159 Others have been reorganized, and a few still retain county councils.159 Education The Widener Library at Harvard University. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and has the largest academic library in the world.160 Massachusetts was the first state to require municipalities to appoint a teacher or establish a grammar school with the passage of the Massachusetts Education Law of 1647,161 and 19th century reforms pushed by Horace Mann laid much of the groundwork for contemporary universal public education.162163 Massachusetts is home to the country's oldest public elementary school (The Mather School, founded in 1639), oldest high school (Boston Latin School, founded in 1635)164 and the oldest college (Harvard University, founded in 1636).165 In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory school attendance laws.166 The per-student public expenditure for elementary and secondary schools (kindergarten through grade 12) was fifth in the nation in 2004, at $11,681.167 In 2007, Massachusetts scored highest of all the states in math on the National Assessments of Educational Progress.168 Massachusetts is home to 121 institutions of higher education.169 Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, both located in Cambridge, consistently rank among the world's best universities.170171172 There are more than 40 colleges located in the greater Boston area alone and ten in the greater Worcester area. The University of Massachusetts (nicknamed UMass) is the five-campus public university system of the commonwealth.173 UMass Amherst is the oldest and largest of these campuses, with a 2010 undergraduate enrollment of just over 20,000 students.174 Further information: List of colleges and universities in Massachusetts and List of high schools in Massachusetts Arts and culture Site of Henry David Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond near Concord Massachusetts has contributed much to American arts and culture. Drawing from its Native American and Yankee roots, along with later immigrant groups, the commonwealth has produced a number of writers, artists, and musicians. A number of major museums and important historical sites are also located there, and events and festivals throughout the year celebrate the state's history and heritage. Massachusetts was an early center of the Trancendentalist movement, which emphasized intuition, emotion, human individuality and a deeper connection with nature.69 Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was from Boston but spent much of his later life in Concord, largely created the philosophy with his 1836 work Nature, and continued to be a key figure in the movement for the remainder of his life. Emerson's friend, Henry David Thoreau, who was also involved in Trancendentalism, recorded his year spent alone in a small cabin at nearby Walden Pond in the 1854 work Walden; or, Life in the Woods.175 Other famous authors and poets from Massachusetts include Nathaniel Hawthorne, John Updike, Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, E.E. Cummings, Sylvia Plath, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as "Dr. Seuss".176177178 Famous painters from Massachusetts include Winslow Homer and Norman Rockwell;178 many of the latter's works are on display at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.179 An outdoor dance performance at Jacob's Pillow in Becket The commonwealth is also an important center for the performing arts. Both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops Orchestra are based in Massachusetts.180 Other orchestras in the commonwealth include the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra in Barnstable and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.181182 Tanglewood, in western Massachusetts, is a music venue that is home to both the Tanglewood Music Festival and Tanglewood Jazz Festival, as well as the summer host for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.183184 Jacob's Pillow in the Berkshires hosts a number of traditional and contemporary musical and dance events.185 Other performing arts and theater organizations in Massachusetts include the Boston Ballet,186 the Boston Lyric Opera,180 and the Lenox-based Shakespeare & Company.187 In addition to classical and folk music, Massachusetts has produced musicians and bands spanning a number of contemporary genres, such as the classic rock band Aerosmith, the New Wave band The Cars, and the alternative rock band Pixies.188 Film events in the state include the Boston Film Festival, the Boston International Film Festival, and a number of smaller film festivals in various cities throughout the commonwealth.189 USS Constitution fires a salute during its annual Fourth of July turnaround cruise Massachusetts is home to a large number of museums and historical sites. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the DeCordova contemporary art and sculpture museum in Lincoln are all located within the commonwealth,190191 and the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket includes several observatories, museums, and an aquarium.192 Historically themed museums and sites such as the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield,15 Boston's Freedom Trail and nearby Minute Man National Historical Park, both of which preserve a number of sites important during the American Revolution,15193 the Lowell National Historical Park, which focuses on some of the earliest mills and canals of the industrial revolution in the US,15 the Black Heritage Trail in Boston, which includes important African-American and abolitionist sites in Boston,194 and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park15 all showcase various periods of the commonwealth's history. Plimoth Plantation and Old Sturbridge Village are two open-air or "living" museums in Massachusetts, recreating life as it was in the 17th and early 19th centuries, respectively.195196 Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day parade and "Harborfest", a week-long Fourth of July celebration featuring a fireworks display and concert by the Boston Pops as well as a turnaround cruise in Boston Harbor by USS Constitution,197 are popular events. Media See also: List of television stations in Massachusetts, List of newspapers in Massachusetts, and List of radio stations in Massachusetts There are two major television media markets located in Massachusetts. The Boston/Manchester market is the fifth largest in the United States.198 All major networks are represented. The other market surrounds the Springfield area. WGBH-TV in Boston is a major public television station and produces national programs such as Nova, Frontline, and American Experience.199200 The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Springfield Republican and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette are the commonwealth's largest daily newspapers.201 In addition, there are many community dailies and weeklies. There are a number of major AM and FM stations which serve Massachusetts,202 along with many more regional and community-based stations. Some colleges and universities also operate campus television and radio stations, and print their own newspapers.203204205206207 Health See also: List of hospitals in Massachusetts Massachusetts generally ranks highly among states in most health and disease prevention categories. In 2009, the United Health Foundation ranked the state as third healthiest overall.208 However, the study also pointed to several areas in which Massachusetts ranked below average, such as the state's rate of binge drinking, which was the 11th highest in the country.208 Massachusetts has the most doctors per 100,000 residents,209 the second lowest infant mortality rate,210 and the lowest percentage of uninsured residents (for both children as well as the total population).211 According to Businessweek, commonwealth residents have an average life expectancy of 78.4 years, the fifth longest in the country.212 37.2% of the population is overweight and 21.7% is obese,213 and Massachusetts ranks sixth highest in the percentage of residents who are considered neither obese nor overweight (41.1%).213 The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine lists a total of 132 hospitals in the state.214 According to rankings by US News & World Report, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston is the third best overall hospital in the nation;215 the hospital also ranked first in psychiatry.216 Massachusetts General was founded in 1811 and serves as the largest teaching hospital for nearby Harvard University.217 Other teaching and medical institutions affiliated with Harvard include Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, among others.218 Boston is also the location of Tufts Medical Center and Boston Medical Center, the latter of which is the primary teaching hospital for Boston University.219 The University of Massachusetts Medical School is located in Worcester.220 Sports and recreation Organized sports Main article: Sports in Massachusetts TD Garden in Boston is home to the Boston Celtics of the NBA. Massachusetts has a long history with amateur athletics and professional teams. Most of the major professional teams have won multiple championships in their respective leagues. Massachusetts teams have won five Stanley Cups (Boston Bruins),221 seventeen NBA Championships (Boston Celtics),222 three Super Bowls (New England Patriots),223 and eight World Series (seven for the Boston Red Sox, one for the Boston Braves).224 The state is also the home to the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield) and the Volleyball Hall of Fame (Holyoke); sports that were both invented in the Commonwealth.225

Massachusetts is also the home of the Cape Cod Baseball League, rowing events such as the Eastern Sprints on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester and the Head of the Charles Regatta,226227 and the Boston Marathon.228 A number of major golf events have taken place in Massachusetts, including nine U.S. Opens and two Ryder Cups, among others.229230231 The New England Revolution is the Major League Soccer team in Massachusetts,232 and the Boston Cannons are the Major League Lacrosse team.233 Many universities in Massachusetts are active in college athletics. There are a number of NCAA Division I teams in the state involved in multiple sports: Harvard University, Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.234235236 Outdoor recreation Long-distance hiking trails in Massachusetts include the Appalachian Trail, the New England National Scenic Trail, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, the Midstate Trail, and the Bay Circuit Trail.237238 Other outdoor recreational activities in the commonwealth include sailing and yachting, freshwater and deep-sea fishing,239 whale watching,240 downhill and cross-country skiing,241 and hunting. See also North America portal United States portal Massachusetts portal Main articles: Outline of Massachusetts and Index of Massachusetts-related articles Massachusetts in 2010 Massachusetts in 2009 References Notes ^ "Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2, Section 35: Designation of citizens of commonwealth". The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/2-35.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-29.  ^ a b c "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density (geographically ranked by total population): 2000". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GCTTable?_bm=n&_lang=en&mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_GCTPH1R_US9S&format=US-9S&_box_head_nbr=GCT-PH1-R&ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&geo_id=01000US. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "2010 Census Data". United States Census Bureau. http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/. Retrieved 2010-12-22.  ^ a b c "Elevations and Distances in the United States". U.S Geological Survey. 29 April 2005. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest. Retrieved November 6, 2006.  ^ William Wallace Tooker. Algonquian Names of some Mountains and Hills. 1904. ^ Salwen, Bert, 1978. Indians of Southern New England and Long Island: Early Period. In "Northeast", ed. Bruce G. Trigger. Vol. 15 of "Handbook of North American Indians", ed. William C. Sturtevant, pp. 160–176. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. Quoted in: Campbell, Lyle. 1997. American Indian Languages: The Historical Linguistics of Native America. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pg. 401 ^ Bright, William (2004). Native American Place Names of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, pg. 270 ^ "East Squantum Street (Moswetuset Hummock)". Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey. Thomas Crane Public Library. 1986. http://thomascranelibrary.org/htm/436.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-24.  ^ Neal, Daniel (1747). "XIV: The Present State of New England". The history of New-England. 2 (2 ed.). London: Printed for A. Ward. p. 216. OCLC 8616817. http://books.google.com/?id=u3opAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA216. Retrieved 2009-06-24.  ^ "Part One: Concise Facts - Name". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1a.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Kentucky as a Commonwealth". Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYCommonwealth.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Charles River Watershed". Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Air%2C+Water+%26+Climate+Change&L2=Preserving+Water+Resources&L3=Massachusetts+Watersheds&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_water_charles&csid=Eoeea. Retrieved 2010-05-23.  ^ The North Quabbin Woods: www.northquabbinwoods.org ^ Massachusetts Cities and TownsPDF (390 KB) (map; see text on map). Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Retrieved January 14, 2007. ^ a b c d e f "Massachusetts". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/state/MA/. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Massachusetts State Parks". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/listing.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Trail Maps". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Getting Wet!". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/swimming.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "A Short Introduction to Terrestrial Biomes". www.nearctica.com. http://www.nearctica.com/ecology/habitats/biointro.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ Stocker, Carol. Old growth, grand specimens drive big-tree hunters [1] The Boston Globe. November 17, 2005. . Retrieved 2009-10-17. ^ "Current Research — Working Landscapes". The Center for Rural Massachusetts — The University of Massachusetts. http://www.umass.edu/ruralmass/currentresearch.html. Retrieved 2009-03-19.  ^ "Massachusetts Forests". MassWoods Forest Conservation Program — The University of Massachusetts. http://www.masswoods.net/index.php/forests. Retrieved 2009-03-19.  ^ "Northeastern Coastal Zone — Ecoregion Description". United States Geological Survey. http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/east/eco59Report.html. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ a b c "State Mammal List". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/mammals/mammal_list.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ "Peregrine Falcon". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/falco_peregrinus.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Eastern Coyote in Massachusetts". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_coyotes.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Wild Turkey in Massachusetts". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/pdf/living%20_with_turkeys.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Moose in Massachusetts". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_moose.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Black Bears in Massachusetts". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_bears.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Atlantic Flyway". University of Nebraska. http://www.unl.edu/nac/atlas/Map_Html/Biodiversity/National/Atlantic_flyway/Atlantic_Flyway.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Common Loon". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/gavia_immer.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "Telemetry Research:Long-Tailed Ducks". Mass Audubon. http://www.massaudubon.org/Conservation_Science/Tracking/LTDUresearch.php. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "Roseate Tern". Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/roseate_tern.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "Coastal Waterbird Program". Mass Audubon. http://www.massaudubon.org/cwp/. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife and Habitat". United States Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/monomoy/wildlife.html. Retrieved 2010-05-26.  ^ "Best Bets for Fishing". Massachusetts Division of Wildlife & Fisheries. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/best_bets/best_bets_home.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Species Profiles". Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/species.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ a b Brown and Tager, pp. 6-7. ^ a b "Origin & Early Mohican History". Stockbridge-Munsee Community — Band of Mohican Indians. http://mohican-nsn.gov/Departments/Library-Museum/Mohican_History/origin-and-early.htm. Retrieved October 21, 2009.  ^ Brown and Tager, p. 7. ^ Hoxie, Frederick E. (1996). Encyclopedia of North American Indians. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 164. ISBN 9780395669211. OCLC 34669430. http://books.google.com/?id=o-BNU7QuJkYC&pg=PA164. Retrieved 2009-07-30. ; DOI: 10.3201/edi1602.090276 Marr, JS and Cathey, JT, "New hypothesis for cause of an epidemic among Native Americans, New England, 1616–1619," Emerging Infectious Disease, 2010 Feb. ^ Koplow, p. 13. ^ Goldfield, et al., pp. 29-30. ^ Goldfield, et al., p. 30. ^ Goldfield, et al., p. 29. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 30-32. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 29. ^ a b Brown and Tager, pp. 29-30. ^ a b Brown and Tager, pp. 45-45. ^ a b c Goldfield, et al., p. 66. ^ Brebner, pp. 203-233. ^ U.S.G.S. Historic Earthquakes: The Great Earthquake of 1755, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1755_11_18_hs.php, accessed February 7, 2011; Memorandum, [Boston Gazette], November 24, 1755, p. 1. ^ Goldfield, et al., pp. 86-88. ^ Goldfield, et al., pp. 88-90. ^ Goldfield, et al., pp. 95-96. ^ Goldfield, et al., pp. 96-97. ^ "Massachusetts Legal Holidays". Secretary of the Commonwealth. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cishol/holidx.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ a b c d "John Adams Biography". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/adam/john-adams-biography.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Massachusetts Constitution, Judicial Review, and Slavery – The Quock Walker Case". Massachusetts Judicial Branch. 2007. http://www.mass.gov/courts/sjc/constitution-slavery-e.html. Retrieved 11 December 2009.  The Constitution of the Vermont Republic, adopted in 1777, prohibited involuntary servitude. Vermont became a state in 1791 and subsequently ratified a newer constitution in 1793. The Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act of 1780 [2] made Pennsylvania the first state to abolish slavery by statute.[3] ^ "Shays Rebellion". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/spar/historyculture/shays-rebellion.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "The Ratification of the U.S. Constitution in Massachusetts". Massachusetts Historical Society. http://www.masshist.org/cabinet/february2003/february2003.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-22. dead link ^ "Maine History (Statehood)". www.maine.gov. http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate/statehouse/history/hstry5.htm. Retrieved April 11, 2008.  ^ Brown and Tager, p. 129. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 211. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 202. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 133-136. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 179. ^ Goldfield, et al., p. 251. ^ a b c Goldfield, et al., p. 254. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 185. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 183. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 187-193. ^ "Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/boaf/historyculture/shaw.htm. Retrieved October 19, 2009.  ^ "Augustus Saint-Gaudens". National Gallery of Art. http://www.nga.gov/education/schoolarts/gaudens.htm. Retrieved October 19, 2009.  ^ Brown and Tager, p. 246. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 276. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 275-283. ^ a b Brown and Tager, p. 284. ^ "Biography: Edward Moore Kennedy". American Experience. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/kennedys-bio-edward-kennedy/. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "The Kennedys: A Family Tree". St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/News/111199/JFK/family-tree.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ "Kennedy Compound". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/presidents/site30.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-28.  ^ a b c d Grunwald, Michael. Dig the Big Dig [4] The Washington Post. August 6, 2006. . Retrieved 2010-05-31. ^ a b "The Big Dig". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/bigdig/projectbkg.aspx. Retrieved 2010-05-31.  ^ a b "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html. Retrieved 2009-12-23.  ^ Population: 1790 to 1990PDF (35.4 KB) census.gov ^ Resident Population of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico: Census 2000 census.gov ^ 2010 Census Data. "2010 Census Data - 2010 Census". 2010.census.gov. http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/. Retrieved 2011-02-01.  ^ a b "Fact Sheet: Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US25&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ Population and Population Centers by State: 2000. United States Census Bureau, United States Deparatment of Commerce. Retrieved January 14, 2007. ^ a b c d e Mishra, Raja. State's population growth on stagnant course [5] Boston Globe. December 22, 2006. . Retrieved 2010-06-05. ^ a b c Bayles, Fred. Minorities account for state population growth [6] USA Today. March 21, 2001. . Retrieved 2010-06-05. ^ Levenson, Michael. Bay state's labor force diminishing [7]Boston Globe. December 10, 2006. . Retrieved 2010-06-05. ^ Most spoken languages in Massachusetts MLA Language Map Data Center. Modern Language Association. Retrieved February 23, 2007. ^ "Massachusetts - Selected Social Characteristics in the United States:2006-2008 (3-Year Estimates)". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR2&-ds_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3308&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=04000US25&-format=&-_lang=en. Retrieved 2010-06-01.  ^ Brown and Tager, p. 173. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 173-179. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 203. ^ Brown and Tager, p. 301. ^ "Imagine all the people:Haitian immigrants in Boston". Boston Development Authority. http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/pdf/ResearchPublications//Haitian%20UPDATE%20FINAL.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Whaling Industry and Portuguese Immigration Centered in New Bedford, Mass.". Library of Congress. http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/portam/bedford.html. Retrieved 2010-06-01.  ^ a b Brettell, pp. xii-xiv. ^ Schweitzer, Sarah. Lowell hopes to put 'Little Cambodia' on the map [8] The Boston Globe. February 15, 2010. . Retrieved 2010-05-31. ^ Associated Press. Wampanoag Tribe Receives Federal Recognition WBZ-TV, Boston Massachusetts. Retrieved February 20, 2007. ^ Weber, David. Mashpee Wampanoag Indians receive federal recognition The Boston Globe February 15, 2007. Retrieved February 20, 2007. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 180-182. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 257-258. ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 300-304. ^ "About Unitarian Universalism". Blue Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. http://www.bluehillsuu.org/aboutuu.html. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "The Association of Religion Data Archives | Maps & Reports". Thearda.com. http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/25_2000.asp. Retrieved 2011-02-01.  ^ "American Religious Identification Survey". Exhibit 15. The Graduate Center, City University of New York. http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/aris/key_findings.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-21.  ^ Butterfield, Fox. The Perfect New England Town [9] The New York Times. May 14, 1989. . Retrieved 2010-05-30. ^ "Gross Domestic Product by State". Bureau of Economic Analysis. http://www.bea.gov/regional/gsp/. Retrieved 2010-06-01.  ^ "State Personal Income 2008". Bureau of Economic Analysis. http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/2009/pdf/spi0309.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-08.  ^ "Fortune 500 - States". CNN.com. July 27, 2010. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2010/states/MA.html. Retrieved 2010-07-27.  ^ "Local Area Unemployment Statistics". Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/lau/. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ a b c "2009 State Agriculture Overview (Massachusetts)". United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Ag_Overview/AgOverview_MA.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-01.  ^ "Massachusetts Cranberries". United States Department of Agriculture. 2007-01-26. http://www.nass.usda.gov/nh/jan07cran.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-23.  ^ a b c d e "Massachusetts". The Tax Foundation. http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/topic/35.html. Retrieved 2010-05-24.  ^ a b "Tax Rates". Massachusetts Department of Revenue. http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=dorterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Individuals+and+Families&L2=Personal+Income+Tax&L3=Current+Year+Tax+Information&L4=Guide+to+Personal+Income+Tax&sid=Ador&b=terminalcontent&f=dor_help_guides_abate_amend_personal_issues_ratestax&csid=Ador. Retrieved 2010-05-24.  ^ a b "A Guide to Sales and Use Tax". Massachusetts Department of Revenue. http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=dorterminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Individuals+and+Families&L2=Personal+Income+Tax&L3=Forms+%26+Publications&L4=Publications&L5=Publications+Index&sid=Ador&b=terminalcontent&f=dor_publ_sales_use&csid=Ador. Retrieved 2010-05-24.  ^ "Subway Map". Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Bus Schedules & Maps". Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Boat Map and Schedules". Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/boats/. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Commuter Rail Maps and Schedules". Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Routes - Acela Express". Amtrak. http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Route_C/1241245664867/1237405732511. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Your Transit Authorities". Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities. http://www.matransit.com/. Retrieved 2010-05-23.  ^ "Cape Cod Central Railroad". Cape Cod Central Railroad. http://www.capetrain.com/. Retrieved 2010-05-23.  ^ "2010 Scenic Train Schedule". Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. http://berkshirescenicrailroad.org/schedules.php. Retrieved 2010-05-23.  ^ "Railroad Service in Massachusetts". Association of American Railroads. http://www.aar.org/PubCommon/Documents/AboutTheIndustry/RRState_MA.pdf. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ "Background". The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority. http://www.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/about.cfm. Retrieved 2010-05-24.  ^ a b "Who We Are". Massachusetts Port Authority. http://www.massport.com/about/about.html. Retrieved 2010-05-24.  ^ http://www.massaeronautics.org/default.asp?pgid=AeroAbout&sid=level2 ^ "Transportation". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#trans. Retrieved 2010-05-31.  ^ Brown and Tager, pp. 283-284. ^ "John Adams and the Massachusetts Constitution". Massachusetts Judicial Branch, mass.gov. 2007. http://www.mass.gov/courts/sjc/john-adams-b.html. Retrieved 2009-07-18.  ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Massachusetts Facts: Politics". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1b.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-01.  ^ "Members of the 111th Congress". United States Senate. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ a b "Massachusetts Congressional Districts" (PDF). Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cispdf/ma_uscongress.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Geographic Boundaries of United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts" (PDF). www.uscourts.gov. http://www.uscourts.gov/images/CircuitMap.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "U.S. Electoral College - 2008 Presidential Election". www.archives.gov. http://archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2008/allocation.html. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ "U.S. Electoral College - Frequently Asked Questions". www.archives.gov. http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ Brown and Tager, p. 310. ^ Susan Page and Jill Lawrence (2004-07-11). "Does 'Massachusetts liberal' label still matter?". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-25-mass-liberal_x.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ "State Vote 2006: Election Profile, Massachusetts" State Legislatures Magazine, National Conference of State Legislatures. Retrieved November 17, 2007. ^ Gordon, Meryl. Weld At Heart [10] New York. January 14, 2002. . Retrieved 2010-05-23. ^ Vennochi, Joan. Romney's liberal shadow [11] The Boston Globe. June 17, 2007. . Retrieved 2010-05-23. ^ "Federal Elections 2004 (page 22)". Federal Election Commission. http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2004/federalelections2004.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ "2008 Presidential Popular Vote Summary". Federal Election Commission. http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2008/tables2008.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-17.  ^ Bloch, Matthew; Cox, Amanda; Ericson, Matthew; Hossain, Farhana; Tse, Archie (January 19, 2010). "Interactive Map, Election Results and Analysis". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/01/19/us/politics/massachusetts-election-map.html. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "Same-sex couples ready to make history in Massachusetts". CNN. 2004-05-17. http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/05/17/mass.gay.marriage/index.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Massachusetts Makes Health Insurance Mandatory". National Public Radio. 2007-07-03. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11689698. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "2008 Return of Votes Complete" (PDF). Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. 2008-12-17. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/2008%20Return%20of%20Votes%20Complete.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ a b "Information and Historical Data on Cities, Towns, and Counties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisctlist/ctlistidx.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-08.  ^ See Administrative divisions of Massachusetts#The city/town distinction. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places over 100,000, Ranked by July 1, 2008 Population : April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 (SUB-EST2008-01)" (CSV). United States Census Bureau, Population Division. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2008-01.csv. Retrieved 2009-10-19.  ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008" (CSV). 2008 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. March 19, 2009. http://www.census.gov/popest/metro/tables/2008/CBSA-EST2008-01.csv. Retrieved October 19, 2009.  ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population for all Incorporated Places in Massachusetts: 2000-2007". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2007-04-25.csv. Retrieved 2009-10-19.  ^ a b Sokolow, pp. 293-6 ^ a b "Massachusetts Government: County Government". League of Women Voters. http://www.lwvma.org/govcounty.shtml. Retrieved 2009-10-19.  ^ "Speaking Volumes: Professor Sidney Verba Champions the University Library". Harvard Gazette (The President and Fellows of Harvard College). 1998-02-26. http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/1998/02.26/SpeakingVolumes.html. Retrieved 2007-02-19.  ^ Dejnozka, et al., p. 313. ^ Dejnozka, et al., p. 311. ^ Goldfield, et al. pp. 251-252. ^ Ramírez, Eddy. The First Class State [12] U.S. News & World Report. November 29, 2007. . Retrieved 2010-06-05. ^ Rimer, Sara and Finder, Alan. Harvard Plans to Name First Female President [13] The New York Times. February 10, 2007. . Retrieved 2010-06-05. ^ Compulsory Education National Conference of State Legislatures.'.' Retrieved December 28, 2006. ^ Table 5. Current Expenditures ($) per Student in Public K-12 Schools, 2004-05 Source footnote: "Rankings & Estimates 2005-2006, Rankings, Table H-11." ( NEA Research, Estimates Database (2006). K–12 = "Elementary and Secondary".) National Education Association'.' Retrieved January 12, 2007. ^ "2007 NAEP Tests: Summary of Results for Massachusetts". Massachusetts Department of Elemtary & Secondary Education. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/naep/results/07read_math.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-22.  ^ "A Practical Guide to Living in the State - Education". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#edu. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ "World's Best Universities:Top 400". US News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/worlds-best-universities/2010/02/25/worlds-best-universities-top-400.html. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "Academic Rankings of World Universities - 2009". Academic Ranking of World Universities. http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2009.jsp. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "Top 200 World Universities". Times Higher Education World University Rankings. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=438. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "The UMass System". University of Massachusetts. http://www.massachusetts.edu/system/about.html. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "UMass - Facts 2009-2010". University of Massachusetts. http://media.umassp.edu/massedu/ir/facts2009-10.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "Walden Pond State Reservation". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/walden/downloads/Walden_Pond.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Henry Wadsworth Longfellow". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/long/historyculture/henry-wadsworth-longfellow.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Details - Sunday - Massachusetts". Academy of American Poets. http://www.poets.org/state.php/varState/MA. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ a b "Miscellaneous Massachusetts Facts". Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf4.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Details - Norman Rockwell Museum". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/find/detail.php?org_id=1094. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ a b "Music". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/arts/music.php. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "About the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra". Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra. http://www.capesymphony.org/cape-symphony-orchestra-the-ccso.asp. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  ^ "Our History". Springfield Symphony Orchestra. http://www.springfieldsymphony.org/about/history.shtml. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  ^ "Tanglewood Jazz Festival". Boston Symphony Orchestra. http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/toc_01_gen_images.jsp?id=bcat5240121. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Arts". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/westernMass/arts.php. Retrieved 2010-05-30.  ^ "Details - Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/find/detail.php?org_id=1078. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Details - Boston Ballet". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/find/detail.php?org_id=649. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Details - Shakespeare & Company". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/find/detail.php?org_id=1105. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ Leddy, Chuck. Rocking history lesson shows city was in a class by itself[14] Boston Globe. January 10, 2008. . Retrieved 2010-05-29. ^ "Film Festivals". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/arts/filmfestivals.php. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Museums". City of Boston. http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/museums.asp. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "About the DeCordova Sculpture Park". DeCordova Sculpture Park. http://www.decordova.org/art/park/. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Art Museums". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/arts/art-museums.php. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Places To Go". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm. Retrieved 2009-12-30.  ^ "Black Heritage Trail". Museum of African American History. http://www.afroammuseum.org/trail.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "About Plimoth Plantation". Plimoth Plantation. http://www.plimoth.org/about/. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Our Museum". Old Sturbridge Village. http://www.osv.org/museum/index.html. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Details - Sunday - July 4th". Boston Harborfest. http://www.bostonharborfest.com/sunday.html. Retrieved 2010-05-29.  ^ "Nielson Media Research Local Universe Estimates (US)". Nielson Media. 2005-6. Archived from the original on 2006-05-17. http://web.archive.org/web/20060517010320/http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "WGBH - About Us". WGBH-TV. http://www.wgbh.org/about/index.cfm. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "American Experience". WGBH-TV. http://www.wgbh.org/programs/programDetail.cfm?programid=97. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "US Newspaper - Search Results (Massachusetts)". Audit Bureau of Circulation. http://abcas3.accessabc.com/ecirc/newsform.asp. Retrieved 2010-05-25.  ^ "FM Query Results (Massachusetts)". Federal Communications Commission. http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?state=MA&call=&city=&arn=&serv=&vac=&freq=0.0&fre2=107.9&facid=&class=&dkt=&list=1&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "About Us". UCV-TV. http://www.uvctv19.com/about-us. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "About WMUA". WMUA. http://www.wmua.org/about. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "General". WZBC. http://www.wzbc.org/about.html. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "About". Harvard Crimson. http://www.thecrimson.com/about/. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ "About the BU Literary Society and Clarion". Boston University. http://www.bu.edu/clarion/about.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-27.  ^ a b "America's Health Ranking - Massachusetts (2009)". United Health Foundation. http://www.americashealthrankings.org/yearcompare/2008/2009/MA.aspx. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Doctors per 100,000 Resident Population, 2007". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank18.html. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Infant Mortality Rate, 2006". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank17.html. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Persons With and Without Health Insurance Coverage by State: 2007". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0150.pdf. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "U.S. States Ranked by Life Expectancy". Bloomberg Businessweek. http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/sep2006/db20060913_099763.htm. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ a b "Overweight and Obesity (BMI) - 2007". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/BRFSS/list.asp?cat=OB&yr=2007&qkey=4409&state=MA. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Massachusetts Area Hospitals". Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. http://www.massmedboard.org/links/hospital_list.shtm. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Best Hospitals 2010-11: The Honor Roll". US News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/massachusetts-general-hospital-6140430/rankings. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Massachusetts General Hospital". US News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/massachusetts-general-hospital-6140430. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Hospital Overview". Massachusetts General Hospital. http://www.massgeneral.org/about/overview.aspx. Retrieved 2010-10-24.  ^ "Facts and Figures: 2009-2010". Harvard Medical School. http://hms.harvard.edu/hms/facts.asp. Retrieved 2010-10-25.  ^ "About Us". Boston University School of Medicine. http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/BUSM-About.html. Retrieved 2010-10-25.  ^ "An Introduction to UMass Medical School". University of Massachusetts Medical School. http://www.umassmed.edu/about/index.aspx. Retrieved 2010-10-25.  ^ "Stanley Cup Winners". Hockey Hall of Fame. http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SilverwareTrophyWinners.jsp?tro=STC. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Celtics History — Championship Wins". National Basketball Association. http://www.nba.com/celtics/history/ChampionshipWins.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Super Bowl History". National Football League. http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "MLB World Series Winners". ESPN. http://espn.go.com/mlb/worldseries/history/winners. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Volleyball pushed as official team sport of Mass.". Boston Herald. 2009-10-04. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1202148. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Cornell Rowing Excels at Eastern Sprints". Cornell University. http://cornellbigred.com/news/2010/5/16/MROW_0516105419.aspx. Retrieved 2010-06-06.  ^ "History of the Head of the Charles Regatta". Head of the Charles Regatta. http://www.hocr.org/about/history.asp. Retrieved 2010-06-06.  ^ "114th Boston Maraton". Boston Athletic Association. http://www.bostonmarathon.org/bostonmarathon/114thmarathon.asp. Retrieved 2010-06-06.  ^ "2009 U.S. Open — Past Champions". United States Golf Association. http://usga.usopen.com/2009/history/past-champions.html. Retrieved October 21, 2009.  ^ "Past Results". Ryder Cup. http://www.rydercup.com/2010/usa/history/past_results.html. Retrieved October 21, 2009. dead link ^ "Deutsche Bank Championship". Professional Golfers' Association of America. http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r505/. Retrieved October 21, 2009.  ^ "Stadium Information". Gillette Stadium. http://www.gillettestadium.com/stadium_information/. Retrieved October 21, 2009.  ^ "MLL Standings". Major League Lacrosse. http://mll-boston.stats.pointstreak.com/standings.html?leagueid=323&seasonid=3806. Retrieved October 21, 2009.  ^ "College Football Teams (FBS and FCS)". ESPN. http://espn.go.com/college-football/teams. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "College Basketball Teams — Division I Teams". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Terrier Hockey". Boston University. http://www.bu.edu/agganis/events/terriers/mhockey/index.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.  ^ "Greenways and Trails". Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/traillinks.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  ^ "Southern New England". Appalachian Mountain Club. http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/wherewework/southernnewengland/index.cfm. Retrieved 2010-06-02.  ^ "Fishing & charters". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/fishing.php. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  ^ "Whale watching". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/whale-watching.php. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  ^ "Skiing/snowboarding". Massachusetts Department of Tourism. http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/skiing-snowboarding.php. Retrieved 2010-06-05.  Bibliography Brebner, John Bartlet (1927). New England's outpost : Acadia before the conquest of Canada. New York, NY: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0781263670.  Brettell, Caroline (2003). Anthropology and Migration:Essays on Transnational Ethnicity and Identity. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. ISBN 0759103208.  Brown, Richard D.; Tager, Jack (2000). Massachusetts: A Concise History. Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Press. ISBN 1558492488.  Dejnozka, Edward L.; Gifford, Charles S.; Kapel, David E.; Kapel, Marilyn B.; (1982). American Educators' Encyclopedia. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313209545.  Goldfield, David; Abbott, Carl; Anderson, Virginia DeJohn; Argersinger, Jo Ann E.; Argersinger, Peter H; Barney, William L.; & Weir, Robert M. (1998). The American Journey - A History of the United States. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 013656562X.  Koplow, David A. (2004). Smallpox:The Fight to Eradicate a Global Scurge. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. ISBN 0520242203.  Sokolow, Alvin D. (1997). "Town and Township Government: Serving Rural and Suburban Communities". Handbook of Local Government Administration. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker Inc.. ISBN 0824797825.  Further reading Overviews and surveys Hall, Donald. ed. The Encyclopedia of New England (2005) Works Progress Administration. Guide to Massachusetts (1939) Secondary sources Abrams, Richard M. Conservatism in a Progressive Era: Massachusetts Politics, 1900-1912 (1964) Adams, James Truslow. Revolutionary New England, 1691-1776 (1923) Adams, James Truslow. New England in the Republic, 1776-1850 (1926) Andrews, Charles M. The Fathers of New England: A Chronicle of the Puritan Commonwealths (1919), short survey Conforti, Joseph A. Imagining New England: Explorations of Regional Identity from the Pilgrims to the Mid-Twentieth Century (2001) Cumbler, John T. Reasonable Use: The People, the Environment, and the State, New England, 1790-1930 (1930), environmental history Fischer, David Hackett. Paul Revere's Ride (1994), 1775 in depth Flagg, Charles Allcott, A Guide to Massachusetts local history, Salem : Salem Press Company, 1907. Green, James R., William F. Hartford, and Tom Juravich. Commonwealth of Toil: Chapters in the History of Massachusetts Workers and Their Unions (1996) Huthmacher, J. Joseph. Massachusetts People and Politics, 1919-1933 (1958) Labaree, Benjamin Woods. Colonial Massachusetts: A History (1979) Morison, Samuel Eliot. The Maritime History of Massachusetts, 1783-1860 (1921) Peirce, Neal R. The New England States: People, Politics, and Power in the Six New England States (1976), 1960–75 era Porter, Susan L. Women of the Commonwealth: Work, Family, and Social Change in Nineteenth-Century Massachusetts (1996) Sletcher, Michael. New England (2004). Starkey, Marion L. The Devil in Massachusetts (1949), Salem witches Tager, Jack, and John W. Ifkovic, eds. Massachusetts in the Gilded Age: Selected Essays (1985), ethnic groups Zimmerman, Joseph F. The New England Town Meeting: Democracy in Action (1999) External links Find more about Massachusetts on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary Images and media from Commons Learning resources from Wikiversity News stories from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks OpenStreetMap has geographic data related to: Massachusetts The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Massachusetts at the Open Directory Project Massachusetts Historical Society Energy Profile for Massachusetts- Economic, environmental, and energy data USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Massachusetts Massachusetts Geological Survey Maps of Massachusetts 1837 descriptions of Massachusetts cities, towns, mountains, lakes, and rivers, from Hayward's New England Gazetteer. Massachusetts State Symbols Miscellaneous Massachusetts Facts Massachusetts State Facts from USDA Massachusetts Constitution and Laws Massachusetts Tourism Board Maritime History of Massachusetts, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary Atlases of Massachusetts. 1871-Walling&Gray, 1891-Walker, 1892-Mass., 1904-Walker. Large Images at Salemdeeds. Related information  Vermont •  New Hampshire  Maine  New York Atlantic Ocean    Massachusetts: Outline • Index      New Jersey  Connecticut •  Rhode Island Cape Cod Martha's Vineyard • Nantucket Island v · d · e Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston (capital) Topics

Administrative divisions · Congressional districts · Culture · Demographics · Economy · Education · Elections · Geography · Geology · Government · History · Images · Music · People · Politics · Sports · State symbols · Transportation · Villages · Visitor Attractions · Windmills Regions The Berkshires · Blackstone Valley · Cape Ann · Cape Cod · Central Massachusetts · Greater Boston · The Islands · Merrimack Valley · MetroWest · Montachusett-North County · North Shore · Pioneer Valley · Quabbin Valley · Southeastern Massachusetts · South Coast · South County · South Shore · Western Massachusetts Counties Barnstable · Berkshire · Bristol · Dukes · Essex · Franklin · Hampden · Hampshire · Middlesex · Nantucket · Norfolk · Plymouth · Suffolk · Worcester Cities (See all municipalities) Agawam · Amesbury · Attleboro · Barnstable · Beverly · Boston · Braintree · Bridgewater · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Easthampton · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Franklin · Gardner · Gloucester · Greenfield · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newburyport · Newton · North Adams · Northampton · Palmer · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Randolph · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Southbridge · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · West Springfield · Weymouth · Winthrop · Woburn · Worcester Note: Municipalities not listed above have a town meeting form of government. Municipalities listed above in italics have a city form of government, but have retained the name prefix "Town of " as part of their official names. v · d · eNew England Topics Flag | Culture | Cuisine | Geography | Economy | Government | History | Population | Sports States Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont Major cities Boston | Bridgeport | Burlington | Cambridge | Hartford | Lowell | Manchester | New Haven | Portland | Providence | Quincy | Springfield | Stamford | Waterbury | Worcester State capitals Augusta | Boston | Concord | Hartford | Montpelier | Providence v · d · ePolitical divisions of the United States States Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) Insular areas American Samoa · Guam · Northern Mariana Islands · Puerto Rico  · U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Bajo Nuevo Bank · Baker Island · Howland Island · Jarvis Island · Johnston Atoll · Kingman Reef · Midway Atoll · Navassa Island · Palmyra Atoll · Serranilla Bank · Wake Island Preceded by Connecticut List of U.S. states by constitutional ratification date Ratified Constitution on February 6, 1788 (6th) Succeeded by Maryland Coordinates: 42°18′N 71°48′W / 42.3°N 71.8°W / 42.3; -71.8 v · d · e United States    (Outline) History Timeline Pre-Columbian era · Colonial era (Thirteen Colonies · Colonial American military history) · American Revolution (War) · Federalist Era · War of 1812 · Territorial acquisitions · Territorial evolution · Mexican–American War · American Civil War · Reconstruction era · American Indian Wars · Gilded Age · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1896–1954) · Spanish–American War · American imperialism · World War I · Roaring Twenties · Great Depression · World War II (Home front) · Cold War · Korean War · Space Race · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968) · Feminist Movement · Vietnam War · Post-Cold War (1991–present) · War on Terror (War in Afghanistan · Iraq War) Topics Demographic · Discoveries · Economic · Inventions (before 1890 · 1890–1945 · 1946–1991 · after 1991) · Military · Postal · Technological and industrial Federal government     Law Constitution  · Federalism  · Preemption  · Separation of powers Bill of Rights  · Civil liberties Code of Federal Regulations Federal Reporter United States Code United States Reports Legislature- Congress Senate  · Vice President  · President pro tem House of Representatives  · Speaker Executive - President Executive Office Cabinet / Executive departments Civil service Independent agencies Law enforcement · Policies Judiciary - Supreme Court Federal courts Courts of appeal District courts Intelligence Intelligence Community  · Central Intelligence Agency  · Defense Intelligence Agency  · National Security Agency Armed Forces Department of Defense  · Air Force  · Army  · Marine Corps  · Navy  · National Guard Department of Homeland Security  · Coast Guard Politics Divisions · Elections (Electoral College) · Ideologies · Local governments · Parties (Democratic Party · Republican Party · Third parties) · Political status of Puerto Rico · Red states and blue states · Scandals · State governments · Uncle Sam Geography Cities, towns, and villages · Counties · Extreme points · Islands · Mountains (Peaks · Appalachian · Rocky) · National Park System · Regions (Great Plains · Mid-Atlantic · Midwestern · New England · Northwestern · Southern · Southwestern · Pacific · Western) · Rivers (Colorado · Columbia · Mississippi · Missouri · Ohio · Rio Grande) · States · Territory · Water supply and sanitation Economy Agriculture · Banking · Communications · Companies · Dollar · Energy · Federal Budget · Federal Reserve System · Financial position · Insurance · Mining · Public debt · Taxation · Tourism · Trade · Transportation · Wall Street Society Topics Crime · Demographics · Education · Family structure · Health care · Health insurance · Incarceration · Languages (American English · Spanish · French) · Media · People · Public holidays · Religion · Sports Social class Affluence · American Dream · Educational attainment · Homelessness · Homeownership · Household income · Income inequality · Middle class · Personal income · Poverty · Professional and working class conflict · Standard of living · Wealth Culture Architecture · Cinema · Cuisine · Dance · Fashion · Flag · Folklore · Literature · Music · Philosophy · Radio · Television · Theater · Visual arts Issues Abortion · Affirmative action · Anti-Americanism · Capital punishment · Drug policy · Energy policy · Environmental movement · Exceptionalism · Gun politics · Health care reform · Human rights · Immigration · LGBT rights (Same-sex marriage) · Obesity · Racism · Terrorism Book · Category · Portal · WikiProject

Administrative divisions · Congressional districts · Culture · Demographics · Economy · Education · Elections · Geography · Geology · Government · History · Images · Music · People · Politics · Sports · State symbols · Transportation · Villages · Visitor Attractions · Windmills Regions The Berkshires · Blackstone Valley · Cape Ann · Cape Cod · Central Massachusetts · Greater Boston · The Islands · Merrimack Valley · MetroWest · Montachusett-North County · North Shore · Pioneer Valley · Quabbin Valley · Southeastern Massachusetts · South Coast · South County · South Shore · Western Massachusetts Counties Barnstable · Berkshire · Bristol · Dukes · Essex · Franklin · Hampden · Hampshire · Middlesex · Nantucket · Norfolk · Plymouth · Suffolk · Worcester Cities (See all municipalities) Agawam · Amesbury · Attleboro · Barnstable · Beverly · Boston · Braintree · Bridgewater · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Easthampton · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Franklin · Gardner · Gloucester · Greenfield · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newburyport · Newton · North Adams · Northampton · Palmer · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Randolph · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Southbridge · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · West Springfield · Weymouth · Winthrop · Woburn · Worcester Note: Municipalities not listed above have a town meeting form of government. Municipalities listed above in italics have a city form of government, but have retained the name prefix "Town of " as part of their official names. v · d · eNew England Topics Flag | Culture | Cuisine | Geography | Economy | Government | History | Population | Sports States Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont Major cities Boston | Bridgeport | Burlington | Cambridge | Hartford | Lowell | Manchester | New Haven | Portland | Providence | Quincy | Springfield | Stamford | Waterbury | Worcester State capitals Augusta | Boston | Concord | Hartford | Montpelier | Providence v · d · ePolitical divisions of the United States States Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) Insular areas American Samoa · Guam · Northern Mariana Islands · Puerto Rico  · U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Bajo Nuevo Bank · Baker Island · Howland Island · Jarvis Island · Johnston Atoll · Kingman Reef · Midway Atoll · Navassa Island · Palmyra Atoll · Serranilla Bank · Wake Island Preceded by Connecticut List of U.S. states by constitutional ratification date Ratified Constitution on February 6, 1788 (6th) Succeeded by Maryland Coordinates: 42°18′N 71°48′W / 42.3°N 71.8°W / 42.3; -71.8 v · d · e United States    (Outline) History Timeline Pre-Columbian era · Colonial era (Thirteen Colonies · Colonial American military history) · American Revolution (War) · Federalist Era · War of 1812 · Territorial acquisitions · Territorial evolution · Mexican–American War · American Civil War · Reconstruction era · American Indian Wars · Gilded Age · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1896–1954) · Spanish–American War · American imperialism · World War I · Roaring Twenties · Great Depression · World War II (Home front) · Cold War · Korean War · Space Race · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968) · Feminist Movement · Vietnam War · Post-Cold War (1991–present) · War on Terror (War in Afghanistan · Iraq War) Topics Demographic · Discoveries · Economic · Inventions (before 1890 · 1890–1945 · 1946–1991 · after 1991) · Military · Postal · Technological and industrial Federal government     Law Constitution  · Federalism  · Preemption  · Separation of powers Bill of Rights  · Civil liberties Code of Federal Regulations Federal Reporter United States Code United States Reports Legislature- Congress Senate  · Vice President  · President pro tem House of Representatives  · Speaker Executive - President Executive Office Cabinet / Executive departments Civil service Independent agencies Law enforcement · Policies Judiciary - Supreme Court Federal courts Courts of appeal District courts Intelligence Intelligence Community  · Central Intelligence Agency  · Defense Intelligence Agency  · National Security Agency Armed Forces Department of Defense  · Air Force  · Army  · Marine Corps  · Navy  · National Guard Department of Homeland Security  · Coast Guard Politics Divisions · Elections (Electoral College) · Ideologies · Local governments · Parties (Democratic Party · Republican Party · Third parties) · Political status of Puerto Rico · Red states and blue states · Scandals · State governments · Uncle Sam Geography Cities, towns, and villages · Counties · Extreme points · Islands · Mountains (Peaks · Appalachian · Rocky) · National Park System · Regions (Great Plains · Mid-Atlantic · Midwestern · New England · Northwestern · Southern · Southwestern · Pacific · Western) · Rivers (Colorado · Columbia · Mississippi · Missouri · Ohio · Rio Grande) · States · Territory · Water supply and sanitation Economy Agriculture · Banking · Communications · Companies · Dollar · Energy · Federal Budget · Federal Reserve System · Financial position · Insurance · Mining · Public debt · Taxation · Tourism · Trade · Transportation · Wall Street Society Topics Crime · Demographics · Education · Family structure · Health care · Health insurance · Incarceration · Languages (American English · Spanish · French) · Media · People · Public holidays · Religion · Sports Social class Affluence · American Dream · Educational attainment · Homelessness · Homeownership · Household income · Income inequality · Middle class · Personal income · Poverty · Professional and working class conflict · Standard of living · Wealth Culture Architecture · Cinema · Cuisine · Dance · Fashion · Flag · Folklore · Literature · Music · Philosophy · Radio · Television · Theater · Visual arts Issues Abortion · Affirmative action · Anti-Americanism · Capital punishment · Drug policy · Energy policy · Environmental movement · Exceptionalism · Gun politics · Health care reform · Human rights · Immigration · LGBT rights (Same-sex marriage) · Obesity · Racism · Terrorism Book · Category · Portal · WikiProject

Administrative divisions · Congressional districts · Culture · Demographics · Economy · Education · Elections · Geography · Geology · Government · History · Images · Music · People · Politics · Sports · State symbols · Transportation · Villages · Visitor Attractions · Windmills Regions The Berkshires · Blackstone Valley · Cape Ann · Cape Cod · Central Massachusetts · Greater Boston · The Islands · Merrimack Valley · MetroWest · Montachusett-North County · North Shore · Pioneer Valley · Quabbin Valley · Southeastern Massachusetts · South Coast · South County · South Shore · Western Massachusetts Counties Barnstable · Berkshire · Bristol · Dukes · Essex · Franklin · Hampden · Hampshire · Middlesex · Nantucket · Norfolk · Plymouth · Suffolk · Worcester Cities (See all municipalities) Agawam · Amesbury · Attleboro · Barnstable · Beverly · Boston · Braintree · Bridgewater · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Easthampton · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Franklin · Gardner · Gloucester · Greenfield · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newburyport · Newton · North Adams · Northampton · Palmer · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Randolph · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Southbridge · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · West Springfield · Weymouth · Winthrop · Woburn · Worcester Note: Municipalities not listed above have a town meeting form of government. Municipalities listed above in italics have a city form of government, but have retained the name prefix "Town of " as part of their official names. v · d · eNew England Topics Flag | Culture | Cuisine | Geography | Economy | Government | History | Population | Sports States Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont Major cities Boston | Bridgeport | Burlington | Cambridge | Hartford | Lowell | Manchester | New Haven | Portland | Providence | Quincy | Springfield | Stamford | Waterbury | Worcester State capitals Augusta | Boston | Concord | Hartford | Montpelier | Providence v · d · ePolitical divisions of the United States States Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) Insular areas American Samoa · Guam · Northern Mariana Islands · Puerto Rico  · U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Bajo Nuevo Bank · Baker Island · Howland Island · Jarvis Island · Johnston Atoll · Kingman Reef · Midway Atoll · Navassa Island · Palmyra Atoll · Serranilla Bank · Wake Island Preceded by Connecticut List of U.S. states by constitutional ratification date Ratified Constitution on February 6, 1788 (6th) Succeeded by Maryland Coordinates: 42°18′N 71°48′W / 42.3°N 71.8°W / 42.3; -71.8 v · d · e United States    (Outline) History Timeline Pre-Columbian era · Colonial era (Thirteen Colonies · Colonial American military history) · American Revolution (War) · Federalist Era · War of 1812 · Territorial acquisitions · Territorial evolution · Mexican–American War · American Civil War · Reconstruction era · American Indian Wars · Gilded Age · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1896–1954) · Spanish–American War · American imperialism · World War I · Roaring Twenties · Great Depression · World War II (Home front) · Cold War · Korean War · Space Race · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968) · Feminist Movement · Vietnam War · Post-Cold War (1991–present) · War on Terror (War in Afghanistan · Iraq War) Topics Demographic · Discoveries · Economic · Inventions (before 1890 · 1890–1945 · 1946–1991 · after 1991) · Military · Postal · Technological and industrial Federal government     Law Constitution  · Federalism  · Preemption  · Separation of powers Bill of Rights  · Civil liberties Code of Federal Regulations Federal Reporter United States Code United States Reports Legislature- Congress Senate  · Vice President  · President pro tem House of Representatives  · Speaker Executive - President Executive Office Cabinet / Executive departments Civil service Independent agencies Law enforcement · Policies Judiciary - Supreme Court Federal courts Courts of appeal District courts Intelligence Intelligence Community  · Central Intelligence Agency  · Defense Intelligence Agency  · National Security Agency Armed Forces Department of Defense  · Air Force  · Army  · Marine Corps  · Navy  · National Guard Department of Homeland Security  · Coast Guard Politics Divisions · Elections (Electoral College) · Ideologies · Local governments · Parties (Democratic Party · Republican Party · Third parties) · Political status of Puerto Rico · Red states and blue states · Scandals · State governments · Uncle Sam Geography Cities, towns, and villages · Counties · Extreme points · Islands · Mountains (Peaks · Appalachian · Rocky) · National Park System · Regions (Great Plains · Mid-Atlantic · Midwestern · New England · Northwestern · Southern · Southwestern · Pacific · Western) · Rivers (Colorado · Columbia · Mississippi · Missouri · Ohio · Rio Grande) · States · Territory · Water supply and sanitation Economy Agriculture · Banking · Communications · Companies · Dollar · Energy · Federal Budget · Federal Reserve System · Financial position · Insurance · Mining · Public debt · Taxation · Tourism · Trade · Transportation · Wall Street Society Topics Crime · Demographics · Education · Family structure · Health care · Health insurance · Incarceration · Languages (American English · Spanish · French) · Media · People · Public holidays · Religion · Sports Social class Affluence · American Dream · Educational attainment · Homelessness · Homeownership · Household income · Income inequality · Middle class · Personal income · Poverty · Professional and working class conflict · Standard of living · Wealth Culture Architecture · Cinema · Cuisine · Dance · Fashion · Flag · Folklore · Literature · Music · Philosophy · Radio · Television · Theater · Visual arts Issues Abortion · Affirmative action · Anti-Americanism · Capital punishment · Drug policy · Energy policy · Environmental movement · Exceptionalism · Gun politics · Health care reform · Human rights · Immigration · LGBT rights (Same-sex marriage) · Obesity · Racism · Terrorism Book · Category · Portal · WikiProject

Administrative divisions · Congressional districts · Culture · Demographics · Economy · Education · Elections · Geography · Geology · Government · History · Images · Music · People · Politics · Sports · State symbols · Transportation · Villages · Visitor Attractions · Windmills Regions The Berkshires · Blackstone Valley · Cape Ann · Cape Cod · Central Massachusetts · Greater Boston · The Islands · Merrimack Valley · MetroWest · Montachusett-North County · North Shore · Pioneer Valley · Quabbin Valley · Southeastern Massachusetts · South Coast · South County · South Shore · Western Massachusetts Counties Barnstable · Berkshire · Bristol · Dukes · Essex · Franklin · Hampden · Hampshire · Middlesex · Nantucket · Norfolk · Plymouth · Suffolk · Worcester Cities (See all municipalities) Agawam · Amesbury · Attleboro · Barnstable · Beverly · Boston · Braintree · Bridgewater · Brockton · Cambridge · Chelsea · Chicopee · Easthampton · Everett · Fall River · Fitchburg · Franklin · Gardner · Gloucester · Greenfield · Haverhill · Holyoke · Lawrence · Leominster · Lowell · Lynn · Malden · Marlborough · Medford · Melrose · Methuen · New Bedford · Newburyport · Newton · North Adams · Northampton · Palmer · Peabody · Pittsfield · Quincy · Randolph · Revere · Salem · Somerville · Southbridge · Springfield · Taunton · Waltham · Watertown · Westfield · West Springfield · Weymouth · Winthrop · Woburn · Worcester Note: Municipalities not listed above have a town meeting form of government. Municipalities listed above in italics have a city form of government, but have retained the name prefix "Town of " as part of their official names. v · d · eNew England Topics Flag | Culture | Cuisine | Geography | Economy | Government | History | Population | Sports States Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Rhode Island | Vermont Major cities Boston | Bridgeport | Burlington | Cambridge | Hartford | Lowell | Manchester | New Haven | Portland | Providence | Quincy | Springfield | Stamford | Waterbury | Worcester State capitals Augusta | Boston | Concord | Hartford | Montpelier | Providence v · d · ePolitical divisions of the United States States Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) Insular areas American Samoa · Guam · Northern Mariana Islands · Puerto Rico  · U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Bajo Nuevo Bank · Baker Island · Howland Island · Jarvis Island · Johnston Atoll · Kingman Reef · Midway Atoll · Navassa Island · Palmyra Atoll · Serranilla Bank · Wake Island Preceded by Connecticut List of U.S. states by constitutional ratification date Ratified Constitution on February 6, 1788 (6th) Succeeded by Maryland Coordinates: 42°18′N 71°48′W / 42.3°N 71.8°W / 42.3; -71.8 v · d · e United States    (Outline) History Timeline Pre-Columbian era · Colonial era (Thirteen Colonies · Colonial American military history) · American Revolution (War) · Federalist Era · War of 1812 · Territorial acquisitions · Territorial evolution · Mexican–American War · American Civil War · Reconstruction era · American Indian Wars · Gilded Age · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1896–1954) · Spanish–American War · American imperialism · World War I · Roaring Twenties · Great Depression · World War II (Home front) · Cold War · Korean War · Space Race · African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968) · Feminist Movement · Vietnam War · Post-Cold War (1991–present) · War on Terror (War in Afghanistan · Iraq War) Topics Demographic · Discoveries · Economic · Inventions (before 1890 · 1890–1945 · 1946–1991 · after 1991) · Military · Postal · Technological and industrial Federal government     Law Constitution  · Federalism  · Preemption  · Separation of powers Bill of Rights  · Civil liberties Code of Federal Regulations Federal Reporter United States Code United States Reports Legislature- Congress Senate  · Vice President  · President pro tem House of Representatives  · Speaker Executive - President Executive Office Cabinet / Executive departments Civil service Independent agencies Law enforcement · Policies Judiciary - Supreme Court Federal courts Courts of appeal District courts Intelligence Intelligence Community  · Central Intelligence Agency  · Defense Intelligence Agency  · National Security Agency Armed Forces Department of Defense  · Air Force  · Army  · Marine Corps  · Navy  · National Guard Department of Homeland Security  · Coast Guard Politics Divisions · Elections (Electoral College) · Ideologies · Local governments · Parties (Democratic Party · Republican Party · Third parties) · Political status of Puerto Rico · Red states and blue states · Scandals · State governments · Uncle Sam Geography Cities, towns, and villages · Counties · Extreme points · Islands · Mountains (Peaks · Appalachian · Rocky) · National Park System · Regions (Great Plains · Mid-Atlantic · Midwestern · New England · Northwestern · Southern · Southwestern · Pacific · Western) · Rivers (Colorado · Columbia · Mississippi · Missouri · Ohio · Rio Grande) · States · Territory · Water supply and sanitation Economy Agriculture · Banking · Communications · Companies · Dollar · Energy · Federal Budget · Federal Reserve System · Financial position · Insurance · Mining · Public debt · Taxation · Tourism · Trade · Transportation · Wall Street Society Topics Crime · Demographics · Education · Family structure · Health care · Health insurance · Incarceration · Languages (American English · Spanish · French) · Media · People · Public holidays · Religion · Sports Social class Affluence · American Dream · Educational attainment · Homelessness · Homeownership · Household income · Income inequality · Middle class · Personal income · Poverty · Professional and working class conflict · Standard of living · Wealth Culture Architecture · Cinema · Cuisine · Dance · Fashion · Flag · Folklore · Literature · Music · Philosophy · Radio · Television · Theater · Visual arts Issues Abortion · Affirmative action · Anti-Americanism · Capital punishment · Drug policy · Energy policy · Environmental movement · Exceptionalism · Gun politics · Health care reform · Human rights · Immigration · LGBT rights (Same-sex marriage) · Obesity · Racism · Terrorism Book · Category · Portal · WikiProject