Quick Facts (Adapted from the New Ben’s Guide to Government)
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| Capital City: | Boston |
| Nickname: | Bay State / Old Colony State |
| Motto: | Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate quietem (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty) |
| Statehood: | May 16, 1788 (6th) |
| Origin of State’s Name: | Named after local Indian tribe whose name means “a large hill place.” |
| Largest Cities: | Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, New Bedford |
| Border States: | Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont |
| Land Area: | 7,838 sq. mi.; 45th largest |
| State Bird: | Black-capped Chickadee (Penthestes atricapillus) |
| State Flower: | Mayflower (epigaea regens) |
| State Tree: | American Elm (ulmus americana) |
| State Song: | Hail Massachusetts |
| E-mail your Congressperson: | U.S. House: 111th Congress U.S. Senate: 111th Congress Or look up your Congressperson in the Congressional Directory database! |
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