About Massachusetts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, nicknamed the Bay, State, is the most populous state in the New England region. A member of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts joined the Union as the 6th state on February 6, 1788. The capital, Boston, was founded in 1630.
From the rocky shores, sandy beaches and salt marshes of the coast, to the rolling hills, fertile valley and lofty wooded hills in the western part of the state, Massachusetts offers a diverse landscape. Equally diverse are our 49 cities and 302 towns. Nearly one third of Massachusetts residents are of foreign decent. Recent census information has the top ancestry groups as Irish, English, Italian, French, Portuguese and Polish.

Massachusetts Fast Facts

Official Name: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nickname: The Bay State
Capital: Boston
Population: 6,349,097 (2000 census)
Boston: 589,141
Worcester: 172,648
Springfield: 152,732
Lowell: 105,167
Cambridge: 101,335
Area: 8,257 sq. miles
Longest River: The Charles River (80 mi.)
Highest Elevation: Mt. Greylock (3,491 ft.)
State Song: “All Hail Massachusetts”
State Bird: Black Capped Chickadee
State Flower: Mayflower
State Fish: Cod
State Berry: Cranberry.

State Government

Constitutional Officers: Six Constitutional Officers are elected every four years.
Governor: Deval Patrick
Lieutenant Governor: Timothy P. Murray
Secretary of State: William Francis Gavin
Treasurer: Timothy P. Cahill
Attorney General: Martha Coakley
Auditor: A. Joseph DeNucci

Legislature

Senate: 40 members elected every two years.
Senate President: Therese Murray
House of Representatives: 160 members elected every two years
Speaker of the House: Robert DeLeoPlease visit www.mass.gov for more information on the elected officials listed above