Massachusetts is the most populous state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. Massachusetts, officially named the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is bordered by New Hampshire and Vermont to the north, the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine to the east, Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south, and New York to the west. There are several nicknames of Massachusetts, such as: The Bay State (official), The Pilgrim State, The Puritan State, The Old Colony State and The Baked Bean State. What are some interesting facts about Massachusetts? Let’s take a look at 10 interesting facts about Massachusetts in this article.
1. Massachusetts is One of Only Four States that Use Commonwealth on its Official Name
There are only four states that use the term “Commonwealth” in their official state names and Massachusetts is one of them. The other three states are Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In modern times, there’s no practical implications of the term commonwealth as Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states.
2. Boston is the Capital and the Largest City of Massachusetts
The capital city of Massachusetts is Boston. Boston is also the largest city in Massachusetts. Greater Boston is also the largest metropolitan area in Boston as well as in the New England region. It’s also ranked tenth in population among US metropolitan statistical areas.
3. Massachusetts is the Most Educated State in the United States
Massachusetts is ranked 1st in percentage of population 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree while also ranked 1st in percentage of population 25 and over with an advanced degree. So, we can call Massachusetts as the most educated states in the United States. Massachusetts indeed still lost to Washington DC but as we know Washington DC is not a state but a district.
4. Massachusetts is One of the Wealthiest States in the United States
Massachusetts is ranked 1st in per capita income among all US States. It’s also ranked 2nd when it comes to median household income. With its high per capital income and median household income, Massachusetts becomes one of the wealthiest states in the United States.
5. Harvard University is the Oldest Institution of Higher Learning in the United States
Harvard University, that located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It’s also one of the most prestigious and highly ranked universities in the world. Harvard University has the largest financial endowment of any university. Harvard University was founded as Harvard College in 1636.
6. Massachusetts is One of the Most Democratic States in the Country
Massachusetts was previously a Republican-leaning state that shifted to a state that largely dominated by Democrats. Massachusetts is now one of the most democratic states in the country as the Massachusetts congressional delegation are gripped absolutely by Democrats. Massachusetts is the most populous state to be represented in the United States Congress entirely by a single party.
7. Massachusetts Ranks High Among States in Most Health Criteria
In most health criteria, Massachusetts is ranked high among states. Massachusetts has the most doctors per 100,000 residents while it also has the lowest infant mortality rates. Massachusetts also has the lowest percentage of uninsured residents. In 2015, Massachusetts was ranked as the third-healthiest state overall by the United Health Foundation.
8. Mount Greylock is the Highest Natural Point of Massachusetts
At 3,489-foot (1,063-meter) high, Mount Greylock is the highest natural point of Massachusetts. It’s located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts. The summit of Mount Greylock is located in Adams, a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It’s believed that the name of Greylock came from the name of legendary Native American chief, Gray Lock.
9. Black-Capped Chickadee is the Official State Bird of Massachusetts
The official state bird of Massachusetts is Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), that was designated in 1941. Black-capped chickadee is also the official state bird of Maine. Black-capped chickadee is a small, non-migratory, songbird that lives in deciduous and mixed forests of North America. As a non-migratory bird, Black-capped chickadee is able to lower its body temperature during cold winter nights.
10. Mayflower is the Official State Flower of Massachusetts
In 1918, Mayflower (Epigaea repens) was adopted as the official state flower of Massachusetts. Mayflower is a low, spreading shrub that can be found from Newfoundland to Florida, west to Kentucky and the Northwest Territories. The Epigaea repens plant is a slow-growing and often part of the heath complex in an oak-heath forest.
There are surely many more interesting facts about Massachusetts that we don’t talk about in this article. If you know other interesting Massachusetts facts, it’s surely welcome to share with us here.