Massachusetts State Information – Symbols, Capital, Constitution, Flags, Maps, Songs

Quick Facts

Capital City: Boston

Abbreviation: MA

Population (2019): 6,692,824; Rank: 14 of 50 | Population Quick Facts

Region: Northeast

Admission to Statehood: February 6, 1788 (6th State)

State Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem translates to by the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty

State Nickname: Bay State

Origin of State Name: Based on the Algonquin Indian word massachussett meaning “near the great little mountain”

Area Codes: 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978

Zip Codes: Massachusetts Zip Codes

State Symbols

Bird: Chickadee | List of State Birds

Flag: Click for detailed Massachusetts Flag
On a white field is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachuset. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward representing peace. The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states. Around the shield is a blue ribbon with the motto: “By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty”. Above the shield is a arm and sword, representing the first part of the motto. Flag adopted 1915, amended 1971. Get this Flag

Flower: Mayflower (Epigaea regens) | Other State Flowers

Soil: Paxton

Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts”|Words by: Arthur Marsh |Music by: Arthur Marsh Other State Songs | Sheet Music

Tree: American Elm (Ulmus americana) | Other State Trees

Quarter: Details include: The Minuteman statue, state outline. Massachusetts Quarter | List of State Quarters

Geography

Area:

Area: 10,555 sq.mi (27,337 sq.km.), 44th
Land: 7,838 sq.mi. (20,300 sq.km.), 45th
Water: 2,717 sq.mi. (7,037 sq.km.), 17th
Coastline: 192 mi. (309 km.), 10th
Shoreline: 1,519 mi. (2,445 km.), 15th

Highest Point: Mt. Greylock ; 3,491 feet, (1,064 m.) 31st tallest

Lowest Point: Massachusetts; sea level, tied for 3rd lowest

Geographic Center: Rutland, 12 mi. north west of Worcester

National Parks:

Location:

Absolute Center: 42Â°20.4’N / 72Â°1.9’W
Relative Center: Rutland, 12 mi. north west of Worcester
Distance Between U.S. Cities

Topography:

Image | | Jagged indented coast around Cape Cod; flatland yields to stony upland pastures near central region and gentle hill country in west; land in west is rocky, sandy and not fertile.