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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts: flag The state seal of Massachusetts has remained in essentially the same form since 1780, though details changed and were standardized in 1898. The arms, as on the state flag, include a crest (an arm holding a sword) and a ribbon with the motto "EnsePetit Pl The mayflower is the state flower of Massachusetts. Map of Massachusetts Cape Cod Massachusetts Boston: Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge Boston Massachusetts United States: New England
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Massachusetts: Facts & Stats

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News •

Harvard agrees to relinquish early photos of enslaved people, ending a long legal battle • May 28, 2025, 4:23 PM ET (AP)
Supreme Court rejects appeal of Massachusetts student who wanted to wear 'only two genders' T-shirt • May 27, 2025, 10:07 AM ET (AP)
Harvard has long been the world's top college. Trump's sanction puts its allure at risk • May 23, 2025, 8:58 PM ET (AP)
The Latest: Federal judge blocks Trump administration decision to bar foreign students at Harvard • May 23, 2025, 7:27 PM ET (AP)
Federal judge blocks Trump administration from barring foreign student enrollment at Harvard • May 23, 2025, 6:37 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Bay State • the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Capital Boston
Population1 (2020) 7,029,917; (2024 est.) 7,136,171
Governor Maura Healey (Democrat)
Date Of Admission Feb. 6, 17882
U.S. Senators Ed Markey (Democrat) • Elizabeth Warren (Democrat)
State Nickname Bay State • Old Colony State
State Motto "Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty)"
State Bird3 black-capped chickadee • wild turkey
State Flower mayflower (trailing arbutus)
State Song “All Hail to Massachusetts”
Seats In U.S. House Of Representatives 9 (of 435)
Time Zone Eastern (GMT − 5 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km) 27,336
Total Area (Sq Mi) 10,554
1Excluding military abroad.2Original state; date shown is that of ratification of Constitution.3The wild turkey is the state game bird.

Photos and Videos

Massachusetts: flag
The state seal of Massachusetts has remained in essentially the same form since 1780, though details changed and were standardized in 1898. The arms, as on the state flag, include a crest (an arm holding a sword) and a ribbon with the motto "EnsePetit Pl
The mayflower is the state flower of Massachusetts.
Map of Massachusetts
Cape Cod
Massachusetts
Boston: Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Boston
Massachusetts
United States: New England
How many Americans have Irish ancestry?
See the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, home to some of the world's greatest masterpieces
Explore the Boston Children's Museum, a pioneer in hands-on, object-based exhibit experiences for children
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