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Massachusetts History, Geography, Population, State Facts

The Old Bay State

Great Seal of the State of Massachusetts

Adopted on December 13, 1780
Official: June 4, 1885

The Great Seal of Massachusetts was adopted on December 13, 1780 and officially on June 4, 1885.

Seals, such as those that appear on documents certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have a long history and were mentioned even in the Bible. They were widely used many centuries ago because most persons, even of high rank and wealth, did not read or write. Acceptance of a document was signified by making an impression of one's coat of arms into a blob of soft wax, usually with an engraved signet ring. There was a general reluctance to affix seals to documents unless absolute certainty of the contents could be confirmed. This eventually led to the idea that documents of state and other important personal papers, such as deeds, should contain a seal that bore witness to their authenticity.

During the 19th century, Massachusetts was famous for the intellectual activity of its writers and educators and for its expanding commercial fishing, shipping, and manufacturing interests.

Capital City: Boston

Capitol Tour

Massachusetts: State of Massachusetts Official Web Site

Admission to Statehood: Click for Date & List

Airports: Airports Map • Airport Links

Amtrak: Northeast

Area: 10555 sq.mi, 44th Land 7838 sq. mi., 45th Water 2717 sq.mi., 17th Coastline 192 mi., 10th Shoreline 1,519 mi., 15th

Area Codes: Massachusetts

Biographies: Famous People from Massachusetts

Bird: Black-capped Chickadee

Border States: Regional List • Connecticut • New Hampshire • New York • Rhode Island • Vermont

Cam World: Live Web Cams

Climate: Massachusetts

Community Pages: Massachusetts Cities, Towns, Communities List

Constitution: 6th State

County Profile: County Map 14 Counties

Courts: Judicial System

Current Events: Massachusetts News Headlines

Driving: RMV

Economy: Agriculture: Seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, cranberries, vegetables. Industry: Machinery, electric equipment, scientific instruments, printing and publishing, tourism.

Flag: Massachusetts (MA)

Flower: Mayflower Epigaea regens

Cyndi's List Historical Societies

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

Geology Maps: Massachusetts

Ghost Towns: Ghost Towns

Governor: Office of Governor

Highest Point: Mt. Greylock; 3,491 feet, 31st

Highways: Massachusetts Highways

History: History Timeline • Historical • Civil War

Hotels, Motels & Inns:

Kids Corner: State of Massachusetts Kids Site