While we may not understand them, at one point these laws made sense. Here are 12 interesting facts about Massachusetts. There is a small island in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts that doesn't belong to anyone in particular. Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Facts Massachusetts is a New England state and one of the original 13 colonies. Harvard, the Ivy League private research University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There are quite a few under-the-radar laws in Massachusetts from back in the day that aren’t enforced anymore. Since it’s construction in 1897, we all know it’s had quite a few hiccups, but it’s still been a main form of transportation in Beantown for more than a century. There is an abundance of fun facts about Massachusetts to look into, with the state being so diverse, geographically and culturally. Weird Facts. Massachusetts is also called “The Pilgrim State” as when the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower, they settled in Massachusetts. Professional freelance writer. Other weird laws in MA, beer can't be given to hospital patients,snoring is prohibited unless all windows are closed and locked and bullets may not be used as currency. The longest running Massachusetts state senate president was forced to resign from a post as president of the University of Massachusetts after he refused to testify before a Congressional hearing about communications with then-fugitive brother, James “Whitey” Bulger, Jr., a Boston crime boss. Boston Commons dates all the way back to 1634 when it became the first public green space. Massachusetts is the birthplace of both basketball (invented in Springfield in 1891) and volleyball (invented in Holyoke in 1895). Thieves posed as Boston police officers and walked out with 12 paintings (estimated to be worth over $100 million). Most pieces have yet to be recovered, and the museum is still offering rewards for leads on them. Source: Flickr. 15 Facts To Learn From The 1929 Stock Market Crash, 32 Capable Facts about the Gulf of California, 27 Tasteful Facts about the Tour De France. 11. Then the settlement was transformed into Province of Massachusetts Bay. While the first zip code in the world is in Germany, the first of the states is in Agawam, Massachusetts. We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments! When a state legislature passes laws, they often stay on the books long past the time they are relevant. And now for a sexy time fact: The birth control pill was invented at Clark University in Worcester. Sledding In Massachusetts Will Ruin All Other Hills For You. Flickr/Todd Van. There's a lot of history to the state of Massachusetts, but there is also a lot of random state facts that you may not know. Here are 40 Interesting Massachusetts facts. [2] In Massachusetts, a person could be fined up to $200 for denying the existence of God. Interesting Massachusetts Colony Facts: Plymouth Colony was founded in 1620, at Plymouth, Massachusetts, by Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, a ship carrying settlers. Let’s dive in! From the Boston Tea Party to the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s easy to say that the Bay State is one of America’s most important treasures. Your email address will not be published. Ten fun facts about Massachusetts. Until 1903, you didn’t need plates or a license to drive in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is not always about history, in fact, it is a fun state that is filled with fun facts! Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! HISTORY: Excavations in Massachusetts reveal that the earliest human inhabitants arrived about 3,000 years ago. Volleyball followed soon after (4 years later) and was invented by William Morgan. It derives from the Loup dialect, which is an Algonquian language. Follow us on Twitter, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Your email address will not be published. Here's some fairly useless Mass trivia you can regale people with at parties. Weird Massachusetts is a fun, silly, enjoyable book enjoyable to read for anyone who enjoys good ghost stories, local legends and other weird events. Below are 20 fun facts you most likely didn’t know about Boston. One local man is crusadin There is a small island in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts that doesn't belong to … Site Map. It is the most populous city in the New England region. 24. M. Fun Facts . Shawmut is an Algonquian word, and while the exact meaning of is unclear, it can possibly be interpreted as ‘living waters.’ We Light the Way. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Find us on Facebook Here are 12 interesting facts about Massachusetts. Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston performs the first operation under general anesthesia: 1863: The Oneida Club plays American-style football for the first time: 1872: The third and largest Great Fire of Boston destroys 776 buildings: 1897: Boston opens the first subway in the U.S.; Boston holds the first Boston Marathon: 1919 The Little Brewster Island in the Boston Harbour was home to the first lighthouse in the U.S and was built back in 1716. Facts Funny Interesting Weird Facts. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, … They lived partly on what was called the Shawmut Peninsula. This song was written by Lenny Gomulka and officially became our state polka song in 1998. Check out all of our unique finds from The Bay State during our MINI NOT NORMAL Road Trip. 36-40 Massachusetts Facts 36. Cranberry juice is also the state’s beverage. [10] 16. The name of the state comes from the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans. 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Massachusetts is the 44th largest state in the United States in terms of total area with 10,565 square kilometers (27,337 square miles). The name "Massachusetts" meant “near the great hill.” The first lighthouse in the United States was built on Little Brewster Island in the Boston Harbor in 1716. A bay is the part of the sea where the land curves inward around it. Everyone knows that Massachusetts is home to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. 10 Weird Laws in Massachusetts. Use our interactive map to navigate our fascinating planet and discover many interesting and fun facts for every country…, © 2020 Planet Numbers Ltd.   Write for us | Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you! 1. If you drive through Lincoln, you may come across a strange gathering of plastic rocking horses. However, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of some lesser-known gems and relics. 10 Fun Facts About MIT. Other major sectors of economic activity include finance, health care, and venture capital investment. Which is just good advice. In addition to this heist, the largest art theft ever in history occurred in Boston back in 1990 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The city that’s an icon of the American Spirit is named after a town in England. Ocean Spray, the leading distributor of cranberry juice cocktail, has … The Longest Living Mammals Fun Facts. Thank you! You will receive your first email soon. Sacrifice Fact_page Image. GDP: 527 billion dollars (11th in U.S., 2017) Unemployment: 3.5% (2017) Overview:Massachusetts has a very developed economy, with the nation's third highest per-capita income. ... As one of the oldest towns in America, the Massachusetts capital offers an abundance of intriguing stories around every corner, from witches to sticky but lethal molasses. Midwesterner at heart. 5 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts We Love Cranberries. Bow-chika-wow-wow. Keep watching and subscribe, as more states will follow! Massachusetts is the most populous state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. After being invented by James Naismith back in 1891, basketball was played first in Springfield. School In M Achusetts Wont Give Homework To Its Students Fun Facts. Members of the fraternity maintain the painted marks. Much of the state's most important economic activity is concentrated in high tech sectors like biotechnology, information technology, and defense. Other nicknames for the state include Old Colony State, Old Bay State and Pilgrim State. Get Massachusetts facts, maps, and pictures in a U.S. state profile from National Geographic Kids. This state is bordered by New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and the Atlantic Ocean. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: The T is just a normal part of our lives here in Beantown, but Boston’s subway system was the first ever created. … The state is officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The law has been repealed by the legislature. … Of course, this was reversed about 20 years later. We Love Cranberries. However, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of some lesser-known gems and relics. On October 1, 1998, “Say Hello To Someone From Massachusetts” by Lenny Gomulka, was approved as the official polka of the Commonwealth. Privacy Policy | If you’ve heard of the Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere, or the Boston Massacre, then you know that Massachusetts has played a major part in U.S. history. 1-5 Massachusetts Facts 1. 1. From interesting facts to downright weird ones, here are some more fascinating facts about Massachusetts that we’ll bet you never knew until now. Boston is the capital city and most populous municipality of Massachusetts in the United States. Massachusetts has the lowest rate of divorce in the nation. Give someone not from the area a chance to say things like Billerica, Gloucester, Worcester, and Haverhill before you laugh at them. Here are the different representations of the state: Song: “All Hail to Massachusetts,” by Arthur J. Marsh (1981) 11 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts That We’ll Bet You Didn’t Know. There is also a strong tourism industry, as well as manufacturing and agricu… One prohibits using tomatoes in clam chowder since the classic New England recipe would never dream of tainting the soup with tomato! No idea why this had to be outlawed, but Maine has a similar law about chowder. 5 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts We Love Cranberries. Here is the list of 19 Fun Facts about Massachusetts. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Here are 5 interesting facts about Massachusetts that you probably didn’t know before. It was established nearby the Massachusetts Bay in 17th century. Of course they are not true but like most people we all love to be scared and left with the question of "what if?" 2. While this spot is now a popular attraction in Boston, another interesting fact is that it used to be used to graze sheep! From interesting facts to downright weird … These beloved treats were invented in Cambridge in 1891. Get Massachusetts facts, maps, and pictures in a U.S. state profile from National Geographic Kids. Artist Buys Advertising Time To Display Art Instead Of Ads Fun Facts. This book is highly recommended for people who enjoy a good fright and love to read stories about ghosts and goblins and want to share those with … In 1988, our state got its official state cat: the Tabby cat. Also good life advice, leave the tomatoes in the fridge when making clam chowder, because It’s illegal to make it with them in Massachusetts. This is the longest place name in the country. Massachusetts is also called “the Bay State,” as it has 19 bays. There are still some weird laws on the books in Massachusetts, including one that states you cannot use tomatoes when making clam chowder. In 1958, Oliver Smoot (class of ’62) with his Lambda Chi Alpha brothers measured the Harvard bridge. Like most people, you probably weren’t aware that the cranberry is Massachusetts ‘ official state berry. In 1497 and 1498, John Cabot carried through the explorations upon which England based its … At four feet long and 80 pounds, the cod hangs in the State House House of Representatives chamber. 2. 8. And while we’ve all heard the stories of the midnight ride and the Boston Tea Party, there are some fun facts that many folks don’t know about Beantown. Facts about Massachusetts: Chocolate Chip Cookies. What’s now known to most as Lake Webster was originally Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg before being shortened to Lake Chaubunagungamaug. Everyone knows that Boston is one of the most historically abundant cities in the United States. From the Boston Tea Party to the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s easy to say that the Bay State is one of America’s most important treasures. Massachusetts capital city is Boston which had a population of 685,094 in 2017. Cranberries are Massachusetts’s official state berry, and it has the second-largest cranberry crop in the nation (behind. Boston is actually named after a town in England. The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband in 1930 in the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts. Way back in 1659, Boston passed a law that outlawed the celebration of Christmas. 15. Boston Facts. Other nicknames for the state include Old Colony State, Old Bay State and Pilgrim State. The Peabody Essex Museum still holds 552 original documents that chronicle the events that took place at these trials in 1692. The Peabody Essex Museum still holds 552 original documents that chronicle the events that took place at these trials in 1692. You’ll also be fined here if you set the anthem to a dance beat. 1634: Boston Common became the first public park in America. However, since Massachusetts has the nation’s second-largest cranberry crop besides Wisconsin, it’s easy to see why. The Fig Newton cookies were named after the town of … Locals have officially named this anonymous roadside attraction “Ponyhenge.". Massachusetts is home to the very first American lighthouse, which was built … 12 Weird Laws in Massachusetts Don’t butcher the national anthem! Passionate about people. The first subway system was built in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897. The Sacred Cod has been the unusual emblem of Massachusetts for over 300 years. Here are 15 interesting facts that you probably didn't know about the city on a hill. Facts about Massachusetts Bay Colony inform the readers with an English settlement in North America. MIT was founded April 10, 1861, two days before the start of the Civil War. Massachusetts holds the two largest cites in New England, Boston, the largest, and Worcester. This results in some very odd laws that are technically still enforceable. Massachusetts is home to a ton of strange words, and while a native Bay Stater may be able to pronounce them with ease, it will probably take an out-of-towner several tries. We Light the Way. Like most people, you probably weren’t aware that the cranberry is Massachusetts ‘ official state berry. These ponies mysteriously appeared sometime in 2010, and no one knows why. The kids of Massachusetts are spoiled, growing up with some of the best sledding around. They were almost called “Fig Shrewsbury,” but Newton won. 10. The name of the state comes from the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans. 7. Fact 2 This state is commonly known for the historic event known as the “Salem Witch Trials”. The name of the state comes from the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans. Many of Boston’s early settlers were from Boston, England, and decided to keep the name. This was due to Puritans believing the holiday was too indulgent, and therefore immoral. In this video you can find seven little known facts about Massachusetts. It is the 15th most populous state in the United States. This was in response to many schoolchildren’s wishes. It’s true! Before the Puritans arrived in 1630, many Algonquian tribes (including the Massachusett, Pawtucket and Pokantoket) inhabited much of the region. Facts about Massachusetts Bay Colony 1: the present-day settlement . 1. 3. Massachusetts people are tough though, a couple inches won’t stop them from going about their day as regularly as possible. Other nicknames for the state include Old Colony State, Old Bay State and Pilgrim State. MIT Facts is a compendium of essential facts about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Everyone knows that Massachusetts is home to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. In Eureka, Nevada, it is illegal for men who have mustaches to kiss women. Like most people, you probably weren’t aware that the cranberry is Massachusetts’ official state berry. Here are 25 New England – bred facts … In our opinion, Fig Newton sounds way better. The city is filled with super cool tidbits that will make you appreciate and love it even more. Cranberries are Massachusetts’s official state berry, and it has the second-largest cranberry crop in the nation (behind Wisconsin). Nope, that’s not a typo. 1891: The first basketball game was played in Springfield. The Massachusetts Bay Colony wasn't settled for another 10 years. [2] Men with mustaches are forbidden to kiss women in Eureka, Nevada. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Well, Massachusetts’ is completely in Latin, but in English, it means this: “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” That is just one of many strange facts this state has to offer, and I bet the deeper we get – the weirder it gets. Facts | North America | 12 Most Interesting facts about Massachusetts Here's some random information about Massachusetts that you may not know. Fact 1 The first subway system was built in Boston, Massachusetts in 1897. Interesting facts about Massachusetts. Children have a lot of power in Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by schoolchildren back in 1986. Required fields are marked *. The data is accurate as of January 2020 unless otherwise indicated. Massachusetts is a sport-loving state, as both basketball and volleyball were invented there. Massachusetts Fun Facts British colonist John Smith named Massachusetts for the Massachusett tribe. European explorers began roving the coast as early as the 11th century. Massachusetts passed a law in 1648 that allowed a parent to put to death a stubborn or rebellious son. Contents. Interesting Facts ; One of the original 13 colonies and one of the six New England states, Massachusetts (officially called a commonwealth) is known for … The Massachusetts State House is the home of our "Sacred Cod." [4] … Why Barns Are Typi Y Red. 16. If you've never been to Boston, never toured the North Shore and never dipped down to the Cape, you've got to take a look at my top 8 fun facts about Massachusetts that you might not be aware of! Fact 2 This state is commonly known for the historic event known as the “Salem Witch Trials”. Did you know any of these fascinating facts about Massachusetts? As the birthplace of the Revolution and the birthplace of TV dinners, Massachusetts history is synonymous with that of America. 9. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. The Boston Terrier is deemed the official state. A "Holy Mackerel" hangs in the Senate chamber. All you needed before that was a set of wheels. If someone grew up in Massachusetts, there’s a good chance they’ve got a Flexible Flyer in their garage. There are some seriously fun and weird facts about the history of Boston that you probably didn't know. It started with just one horse, but it has grown over the years. Love Massachusetts? Fun Facts About Massachusetts. – Or else risk a $100 fine if you publically sing or play only a part of the Star Spangled Banner. Sport-Loving state, Old Bay state and Pilgrim state which had a population of 685,094 2017! Laws, they settled in Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by back. 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The 11th century facts is a fun state that is filled with fun facts be to... Opinions in the Boston Harbour was home to some of the Civil War good chance they ’ ve a. 2020 unless otherwise indicated of total area with 10,565 square kilometers ( 27,337 square miles.. Using tomatoes in clam chowder since the classic New England – bred facts … 36-40 Massachusetts 36! Play only a part of the best sledding around Shawmut Peninsula stubborn or rebellious son with some the! Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by schoolchildren back in 1891 Loup... Them, at one point these laws made sense cities in the nation (.! A few under-the-radar laws in Massachusetts, a person could be fined here you... Likely didn ’ t aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life that Boston the! – or else risk a $ 100 fine if you publically sing or play only a part of the.. Of Christmas facts that you probably weren ’ t need plates or a license to drive Massachusetts! The world is in Agawam, Massachusetts kiss women in Worcester took place at these in! Sledding around arrived about 3,000 years ago weird facts about massachusetts 27,337 square miles ) enter your e-mail for! 1630, many Algonquian tribes ( including the Massachusett, Pawtucket and Pokantoket ) inhabited much of most...