The county of presidents in Massachusetts is known as Norfolk County. Four US presidents were born there: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, and George H. W. Bush.1)
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg is located in Massachusetts and is named after Algonquian words that approximately translate to “you fish on your side; I fish on my side; nobody fishes in the center” or “border lake”.2)
On Massachusetts' Governors Island, early settlers planted the country's first apple and pear trees.3)
The sugar maple, which is the primary source of maple syrup in Massachusetts, is the most significant maple tree.4)
Springfield, Massachusetts is home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 1891, James Naismith created basketball in the city. Peach baskets were used as early hoops.5)
Massachusetts is derived from an Algonquian Native phrase that means “near the huge mountain”.6)
Nantucket was previously the world's whaling capital.7)
Worcester's Higgins Armory Museum houses one of the world's biggest collections of weaponry and armor. A Roman gladiator helmet, Viking weaponry, and samurai swords are among the displays.8)
After Wisconsin, Massachusetts is the second-largest cranberry producer in the United States.9)
The Boston Marathon, which began in 1897, is the world's oldest marathon. Every year, around 20,000 individuals participate in the marathon.10)
The Puritans established the first democratic institution in America: the town meeting. Every member of the church had the right to speak at the town meeting, and decisions were taken by majority rule.11)
The Puritans chose William Bradford as governor of Plymouth in 1621. He was re-elected thirty times.12)
Massachusetts residents are officially referred to as “Bay Staters”.13)
On January 15, 1919, a storage tank exploded, unleashing a molasses tsunami through Boston's streets. It killed 21 people and wounded 150 more, and molasses could be smelled for decades in the vicinity.14)
In 1903, Boston hosted the inaugural World Series. The Boston Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-3.15)
Massachusetts has one of the best educated workforces in the country. One in every three persons holds a bachelor's degree or above.16)
Deborah Samson, the state heroine of Massachusetts, disguised a masculine identity to fight in the Revolutionary War.17)
Newton, Massachusetts inspired the name of the Fig Newton.18)
The Boston Lighthouse was the first in the United States to be erected.19)
The Boston Latin School, America's first public school, founded in 1635.20)
In 1996, Massachusetts designated Johnny Appleseed as its state hero.21)
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1706. In 1996, Johnny Appleseed was named the state hero.22)
The tabby cat is the official state cat of Massachusetts.23)
Boston Commons, founded in 1634, was the first public park in the United States.24)
Christmas was previously prohibited in Massachusetts by the Puritans.25)
The Boston Public Library was the country's first public library.26)
During the Boston Tea Party, colonists destroyed an estimated 19 million cups of tea.27)
The Boston terrier was the first purebred dog in America.28)
The pilgrims' existence in the New World appeared dreary after a long, bitter winter in 1620. They were able to produce and have enough food to live through the winter months thanks to the assistance of the Wampanoag Native People. In order to express their thanks, the pilgrims observed the first Thanksgiving in 1621. For many years, it would not become an annual custom, but you may still visit a shrine to remember the first Thanksgiving.29)
North American revolt against Britain was in full force in 1775. A message system was set up to warn of the arrival of British forces. It entailed riders delivering critical information to key cities. On April 18, that year, Paul Revere conducted his famous ride to warn Boston residents that troops were approaching. Although being one of several riders, Revere's segment became the most well-known.30)