Concise Facts
"I shall enter on no encomium upon Massachusetts; she needs none. There she is. Behold her, and judge for yourselves. There is her history; the world knows it by heart. The past, at least, is secure. There is Boston and Concord and Lexington and Bunker Hill; and there they will remain forever."
- Daniel Webster, 1830
Name, Coat of Arms, Seal, Flag, and Colors
State Name
Massachusetts takes its name from the Massachusett tribe of indigineous people, who lived in the Great Blue Hill region south of Boston. The term roughly translates as “at or about the Great Hill”. There are, however, a number of other interpretations of the term’s exact meaning.
- Jesuit missionary Father Rasles thought that it came from the word Messatossec, or “Great-Hills-Mouth”:
- “mess” (mass) meaning “great”
- “atsco” (as chu or wad chu) meaning “hill”
- “sec” (sac or saco) meaning “mouth”
- The Reverend John Cotton used another variation: “mos” and “wetuset”, meaning “Indian arrowhead”, descriptive of the indigineous peoples’ hill home
- Another explanation is that the word comes from “massa” meaning “great” and “wachusett” meaning “mountain-place.”
Four states, including Massachusetts, designate themselves as commonwealths — the other three are Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky. These commonwealths are still considered states, but other states are not considered commonwealths. Legally, Massachusetts is a commonwealth because the term is contained in the state constitution. When the state constitution was ratified in 1780, “commonwealth” was a popular term for a whole body of people constituting a nation or state. The term was also preferred by political writers, and held some anti-monarchic sentiment among the populace.
“Commonwealth” can be traced to the second draft of the state constitution, written by John Adams and accepted by the people in 1780. It appears in the second draft, Part Two of the Massachusetts Constitution, under the heading Frame of Government:
“That the people…form themselves into a free, sovereign, and independent body politic, or state by the name of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
The people overwhelmingly rejected the first draft of the Constitution in 1778, which referred to the proposed entity as the “State of Massachusetts Bay.” John Adams used the term “Commonwealth” in all subsequent drafts. Adams wrote about the experience in his Life and Works:
“There is, however, a peculiar sense in which the words republic, commonwealth, popular state, are used by English and French writers, who mean by them a democracy, a government in one centre, and that centre a single assembly, chosen at stated periods by the people and invested with the whole sovereignty, the whole legislative, executive and judicial power to be included in a body or by committees as they shall think proper.”
Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms consists of a shield, having a blue field or surface, with an Indigenous Person dressed in a shirt and moccasins. He holds a golden bow in his right hand and a golden arrow in his left hand, both pointed downward. In the upper corner of the field, above his right arm, rests a silver star with five points. The crest is a wreath of blue and gold, showing a right arm bent at the elbow, clothed and ruffled, with its hand grasping a broadsword.
The state motto, displayed in Latin, says “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.” This is the second of two lines written by Algernon Sydney, English soldier and politician, in the Book of Mottoes in the King’s Library in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was adopted in 1775 by the Provincial Congress and means, “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty”.
State Seal
The State Seal, adopted by Governor John Hancock and the Council on December 13, 1780 and made official by the General Court on June 4, 1885, is circular and bears a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth encircled with the words, “Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusettensis” (Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts). The final form of the seal was determined by a statewide contest.
State Flag
The State Flag is white, bearing the Coat of Arms on both sides (except that the five-pointed star is white instead of silver). It was approved for the Commonwealth in its final form on July 3, 1971. Before final form approval, the back side of the flag depicted a green pine tree.
State Colors
Blue, Green, and Cranberry became the official colors of the Commonwealth on February 21, 2005.
Flora and Fauna
State Flower or Floral Emblem
The Mayflower (Epigaea repens) was adopted as the official flower of the Commonwealth on May 1, 1918. It is also commonly known as the ground laurel or trailing arbutus, and has ovate hairy leaves and fragrant, pink or white, spring-blooming flowers with five petals.
The Mayflower grows in woods, preferring sandy or rocky soil, under or near evergreens. Unfortunately, since 1925 it has been on the endangered list.
State Tree or Tree Emblem
The American Elm (Ulmus Americana) was adopted as the state tree on March 21, 1941. General George Washington took command of the Continental Army beneath one on Cambridge Common in 1775.
The Elm is a large tree with gray flaky bark, and often attains a height of 120 feet (though appears wider and shorter in the open). The oval-shaped leaves start dark green, eventually turning to clear yellow in the autumn. The American Elm, like most elms, has been severely afflicted by Elm Disease.
State Bird or Bird Emblem
The Black-Capped Chickadee (Penthestes atricapillus) was adopted as the state bird by the Massachusetts General Court on March 21, 1941. It is also known as the titmouse, tomtit, and the dickybird, and it is one of the most familiar of the North American birds.
The Chickadee ranges from four to five inches in size, its tail accounting for nearly half its length. The general coloring is ashy-grey, the back having a brownish tinge; the crown, nape, chin, and throat are black, and the cheeks white. It nests in a stump, tree, or fence post close to the ground, and broods twice a year. It is a cheerful bird and has a pleasing call: “Chick-adee-dee-dee.”
State Horse or Horse Emblem
The Morgan Horse (Equus cabullus morganensis) descended from a little bay stallion born in West Springfield, MA, in 1789. The stallion could outrun and outwork any horse brought against him. Named “Figure” by his owner, schoolteacher and singing master Justin Morgan, in later years the horse became known by his master’s own name.
The Morgan Horse died in Vermont in 1821 at the age of 32; the sturdy breed bearing his name was adopted as the state horse on May 14, 1970.
State Insect or Insect Emblem
The Ladybug became the state insect on April 17, 1974, on the recommendation of a second-grade class in the Town of Franklin. The common ladybug in the state is the Two-Spotted Lady Beetle (Adalia bipunctata). Its head is black, with pale yellowish margins; elytra reddish, with two black spots.
State Dog or Dog Emblem
The Boston Terrier (Canis familiaris bostenensis), the first purebred dog developed in America (1869), is a cross between an English bulldog and an English terrier. It was recognized as the state dog by the General Court on May 14, 1979.
State Marine Mammal or Marine Mammal Emblem
The Right Whale (Eubalaena galcialis) got its namesake from whalers for being the “right” whale to hunt—due to slow speed, surface feeding habits, buoyancy, and high profits in blubber products. By the late 1800s, it was critically endangered and became illegal to hunt. The General Court named it as the official state marine mammal in 1980.
State Shell
The New England Neptune (Neptuna lyrata decemcostata) was named the state shell on June 26, 1987.
State Cat
On advice from the school children of Massachusetts, the General Court named the Tabby Cat (Felis familiaris) as the official state cat on July 11, 1988.
State Game Bird
The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), eaten at the first Thanksgiving, was designated the state game bird on December 23, 1991.
State Reptile
The Garter Snake became the official reptile of the Commonwealth on January 3, 2007.
State Dinosaur
On April 29, 2022, the General Court named Podokesaurus Holyokensis as the official state dinosaur.
State Groundhog
On July 31, 2014, Ms. G of the Massachusetts Audubon Society was named the official groundhog of the Commonwealth. Her story and actions serve to educate elementary school children on the importance of meteorology.
Food and Drink
State Berry
After two years of lobbying from a fifth grade class on the North Shore, the General Court adopted the Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) as the official state berry on July 11, 1994.
State Beverage
Cranberry juice was named the beverage of the Commonwealth on May 4, 1970, to honor the Massachusetts cranberry industry.
State Muffin
On advice from the school children of Massachusetts, the General Court named the Corn Muffin as the official state muffin on May 27, 1986.
State Bean
Cultivated plants, and the colloquial names for them, change over the centuries. On June 23, 1993, the General Court officially designated the Navy Bean—the original bean in the famous Boston Baked Bean recipe—as the state bean.
State Dessert or Dessert Emblem
The Boston Cream Pie, created in the 19th century, was chosen as the Commonwealth dessert on December 12, 1996. A civics class from Norton High School sponsored the bill.
State Cookie
The Chocolate Chip Cookie was designated the official state cookie on July 9, 1997. A third grade class from Somerset proposed the bill, to honor the cookie invented in 1930 at the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman.
State Donut
In 2003, the Boston Cream Donut was officially named the state donut.
Rocks, Minerals, and Gems
State Rock or Rock Emblem
The Roxbury Puddingstone, sometimes called Roxbury Conglomerate, became the state rock on May 23, 1983.
State Historical Rock
While the Pilgrims didn’t actually land on Plymouth Rock, it still carries historical significance for the Commonwealth. The General Court commemorated it on May 23, 1983.
State Explorer Rock
Dighton Rock was name the state explorer rock on May 23, 1983.
State Gem or Gem Emblem
Rhodonite is the most beautiful gem material found in the state. It varies in hue from light pink to deep rose/reddish pink, and is associated with black manganese. It was adopted in 1979 as the state gem.
State Fossil or Fossil Emblem
The Dinosaur Tracks in Granby, Massachusetts were made over 200 million years ago. The prints of a theropod dinosaur, fifty feet in length from head to tail (the first record of a theropod of such magnitude), were found. They were made the state fossil in May 23, 1980.
State Mineral or Mineral Emblem
While the Commonwealth contains few precious mineral resources, it is one of the few locations in the world where Babingtonite is found. This jet black material, with a brilliant submetallic luster, is the finest quality found in America. The General Court named it as the state mineral on April 24, 1981.
State Soil
The Paxton Soil Series was named as the official soil on July 10, 1990.
State Glacial Rock
Rolling Rock, located in Fall River, became the state glacial rock on August 4, 2008.
Songs, Dances, and Poems
Song of the Commonwealth
"All Hail to Massachusetts," words and music by Arthur Marsh, was designated as the state song by the General Court on July 6, 1981. It served as an informal "official song" since September 1966.
Play or download the audio and lyrics for "All Hail to Massachusetts."
Folk Song of the Commonwealth
"Massachusetts," words and music by Arlo Guthrie, was adopted by the General Court on July 6, 1981 as the folk song of the Commonwealth.
State Poem
On September 24, 1981, the General Court designated "The Blue Hills of Massachusetts" by Katherine E. Mullen of Barre as the official state poem.
State Ceremonial March
The song "The Road to Boston," whose composer is unknown, has been the official ceremonial march of the Commonwealth since November 13, 1985.
State Patriotic Song
"Massachusetts (Because of You Our Land is Free)” words and music by Bernard Davidson, was made official on October 23, 1989.
State Folk Dance
The General Court named Square Dancing as the official folk dance on April 8, 1990.
State Glee Club Song
"The Great State of Massachusetts," words by George A. Wells and music by J. Earl Bley, was designated the state glee club song of the Commonwealth on November 24, 1997.
Download the song here. Performed by Robert A. Goderich and arranged and produced by Charlie Koczela.
State Polka Song
"Say Hello to Someone from Massachusetts," words and music by Lenny Gomulka, was approved as the official state polka song on October 1, 1998.
View the lyrics here.
Listen to the chorus here.
State Ode
On November 22, 2000, the General Court named "Ode to Massachusetts," words and music by Joseph Falzone, as the official state ode.
Buildings and Monuments
State Building and Monument Stone
Granite was named as the state building and monument stone on May 23, 1983. The last Ice Age left Massachusetts with exceptionally fine samples of granite. Notably, the Washington Monument constructors used granite from Quincy to build the structure.
State Vietnam War Memorial
The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, located in Worcester, was approved on December 11, 1990.
State Southwest Asia War Memorial
The Massachusetts Southwest Asia War Memorial, located in Worcester, was approved on June 2, 1993. The memorial honors those who gave their lives in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts.
State Peace Statue
In recognition of veterans who served in World War I, the General Court named the Orange Peace Statue as the official state peace statue on February 25, 2000.
State Korean War Memorial
Located in the Shipyard Park of the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Massachusetts Korean War Memorial was commissioned by the Massachusetts Korean War Veterans Committee in 1993 and approved as the official state memorial on April 7, 2000.
State MIA/POW Memorial
Located in the Town of Bourne at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, the State MIA/POW Memorial was named official on July 3, 2002.
Birthplace of the National Guard
On August 11, 2011, Salem was designated as the official birthplace of the U.S. National Guard. The origins of the National Guard, and the United States Army in its earliest form, are traced back to the creation of the North, South and East Regiments which were formed by legislative act of the Massachusetts Bay General Court on December 13, 1636. This date is recognized as the birthday of the National Guard.
People
State Heroine
Deborah Samson (also commonly spelled “Sampson”) covertly fought in the Revolutionary War, under the name of Robert Shurtleff. Samson fought with with courage, determination, and outstanding service, and rendered a unique contribution as a woman to American independence. Her masquerade remained undiscovered until she was wounded in battle. She travelled extensively in later years, lecturing about her experiences, and a grateful nation gave her the first military pension ever awarded to a woman. Each year, the Governor proclaims May 23 as a day to appropriately observe her enlistment in the Continental Army. The Legislature officially recognized her heroism on July 22, 1983.
State Folk Hero
American pioneer and folklore hero Johnny Appleseed was designated the official folk hero of the Commonwealth on August 2, 1996. Born John Chapman in Leominster on September 26, 1774, he was nicknamed Johnny Appleseed due to his planting of apple trees from New England to the Ohio River Valley. He lived in Leominster until 1845.
State Citizen Designation
On December 18, 1990, the General Court decreed that the people of the Commonwealth would be designated as Bay Staters.
State Children's Author and Children's Illustrator
Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was named as the official children's author and illustrator of the Commonwealth on January 1, 2003. A museum dedicated to his work exists in Springfield, Massachusetts, his birthplace and childhood home.
State Blues Artist
On February 8, 2006, the General Court named musician Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr., better known as Taj Mahal, as the official state blues artist.
State Inventor
Benjamin Franklin became the official inventor of the Commonwealth on November 16, 2006.
State Artist
Norman Rockwell became the official artist of the Commonwealth on February 21, 2008.
Transportation
State Vessel
On January 13, 1994, the General Court designated the Schooner Ernestina as the official state vessel, with New Bedford as its official homeport.
Literature
State Children’s Book
The General Court designated Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey as the official state children's book on January 1, 2003. The third grade class at the Dean S. Luce Elementary School in Canton sponsored the legislation.
Cloth
State District Tartan
On August 14, 2003, the Bay State Tartan became the official district tartan of the Commonwealth. Registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, the Bay State Tartan can be viewed at tartanregister.gov.uk.
Recreation
State Sport
Invented in 1891 by Springfield, Massachusetts teacher Dr. James Naismith, Basketball became the official state sport on August 8, 2006.
State Recreational Team Sport
On July 31, 2014, the General Court named Volleyball as the official state recreational and team sport.