Massachusetts Info
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Capital City: Boston
Economy: Technology, industry,
finance, agriculture and tourism.
Population: 6,379,304
Time Zone: 5 hours behind
Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the
first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
Massachusetts's 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.
History of Massachusetts: Massachusetts
has played a significant role in American history since the Pilgrims, seeking
religious freedom, founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. As one of the most important
of the 13 colonies, Massachusetts became a leader in resisting British oppression.
In 1773, the Boston Tea Party protested unjust taxation. The Minute Men
started the American Revolution by battling British troops at Lexington
and Concord on April 19, 1775. During the 19th century, Massachusetts was
famous for the vigorous intellectual activity of its renowned writers and
educators and for its expanding commercial fishing, shipping, and manufacturing
interests. Massachusetts pioneered the manufacture of textiles and shoes.
Today, these industries have been replaced in importance by activity in
the electronics and communications equipment fields. The state's cranberry
crop is the nation's largest. Also important are dairy and poultry products,
nursery and greenhouse produce, vegetables, and fruit. Tourism has become
an important factor in the economy of the state because of its numerous
recreational areas and historical landmarks. Cape Cod has summer theaters,
water sports, and an artists' colony at Provincetown. Tanglewood, in the
Berkshires, features the summer concerts of the Boston Symphony. Among the
many other points of interest are Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge in
central Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical Park between Lexington
and Concord, and, in Boston: Old North Church, Old State House, Faneuil
Hall, the USS Constitution, and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.
Other Massachusetts Links:
Massachusetts Department
of Education
Massachusetts Municipal Association
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Massachusetts Rural Development Council |
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