Massachusetts
"Bay State; Old Colony State"
- Motto
- Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
- Capitol
- Boston
- Name Origin
- From Massachusett tribe of Native Americans, meaning “at or about the great hill”
- Statehood Date
- Feb. 6, 1788 (6th)
Cities in Massachusetts
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Official Symbols
A state's official symbols represent the composition and culture of the land and people who live and have lived here. Below are the symbols of Massachusetts along with the year they became official.
| Flower | Mayflower (1918) |
| Tree | American Elm (1941) |
| Bird | Chickadee (1941) |
| Song | “All Hail To Massachusetts” (1966) |
| Beverage | Cranberry Juice (1970) |
| Insect | Ladybug (1974) |
| Cookie | Chocolate Chip (1997) |
| Muffin | Corn Muffin (1986) |
| Dessert | Boston Cream Pie (1996) |
Demographics
- Population Density
- 809.8 people per square mile
Geography and Weather
- Land Area
- 7,840 sq mi. (20,306 sq km)
- Lowest Elevation
- 0 ft (0 m)
- Average Elevation
- 500 ft (152.4 m)
- Highest Temperature Recorded
- 107°F (42°C) on August 2, 1975
- Lowest Temperature Recorded
- –35°F (–37°C) on January 12, 1981
