Cities In Massachusetts - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Massachusetts Quick Facts
The Massachusetts state nickname is the "Bay State," owing to its significant coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Massachusetts Bay. There are a total of 351 Massachusetts cities and towns. Massachusetts is the 44th largest state with 1,554 square miles and is 26.10% water. The capital city of Massachusetts is Boston, one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the United States. It is also the largest city in Massachusetts 689,326 residents. Massachusetts is renowned for its prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University, MIT and other world-class colleges and universities. Harvard is also the oldest university in the United States. Massachusetts was the site of the very first Thanksgiving way back in 1621. Canadian James Naismith invented the game of basketball in Springfield. Boston was home to the first post office way back in 1639. The first subway system was built in Boston back in 1895, it was only 1.5 miles long. Famous people born in Massachusetts include Mark Wahlberg, Steve Carell, Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Chris Evans, Uma Thurman, Matt LeBlanc and Conan O'Brien.
The History of Massachusetts
Before European settlement, Massachusetts was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag, Massachusetts, Nipmuc and Pequot. In 1620, a group of English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom arrived in Plymouth aboard the Mayflower. In 1630, another group of English Puritans, led by John Winthrop, established the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Boston Tea Party in 1773, where colonists protested British taxation and the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 marked the beginning of armed conflict with the British. In the 19th century, Massachusetts became a center for abolitionist and social reform movements, advocating for the end of slavery and women's rights. Prominent figures like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony were associated with the state. The 19th century brought industrialization to Massachusetts, particularly in textile manufacturing. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Massachusetts continued to be a hub of education, technology, and culture.
The Geography of Massachusetts
Massachusetts is bordered by Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Massachusetts is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, providing the state with a beautiful coastline that stretches for about 192 miles. Cape Cod is a prominent feature of Massachusetts geography, forming a hook-like peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean. Along the eastern border of the state, there are low-lying coastal plains, including the Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay regions. The Connecticut River flows through the western part of Massachusetts, creating a fertile valley with rich agricultural lands and scenic views. The westernmost part of Massachusetts is dominated by the Berkshire Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain range. Boston is located in the eastern part of the state and is one of the most densely populated regions in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Relocation Guide
When talking about the state of Massachusetts, there is a lot to like about the state in general. With the way that its coast line is set up, there are many coves and beaches. If you take a look at a map of Massachusetts cities, you'd notice that the coastline extends to most of them. Some of the most incredible hotels and restaurants in the world are found in the capital city of Boston. There, you will find American history as vibrant and living as in any city in the entire country. On top of that, there are excellent attractions in Massachusetts cities, including Fenway Park, Cape Cod and other small coastal towns.
Travel in Massachusetts is a big deal, but the state has a lot more than that going on. Education in Massachusetts is some of the best in the country from the lower levels all the way up to higher education, where Massachusetts has two of the best universities known to man. One issue for people living there is that the cost of living can be quite high all over the state. That is the price that you have to pay for an awesome quality of life, though. Folks around the state are still finding job opportunities to be plentiful, which is a testament to how many resources are available there.
Crime rates in Massachusetts cities are some of the lowest in the US. Even larger cities like Boston, have lower than average crime rates for cities of that size. This is just another reason why Massachusetts is a great place to live.
