Massachusetts Facts

A Profile of Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the original 13 states (6th) of the Union (February 6, 1788). Boston, the capital of Massachusetts since its founding, dates from 1630.

Official Name: Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Nickname: The Bay State or Old Bay State is the nickname most commonly attached to Massachusetts. She is also occassionally referred to as the Old Colony State, the Puritan State, and the Baked Bean State.
Capital: Boston
Motto: Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem (Translation: By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty)

State Symbols

Population: 6,349,097 (2000 Census)

Chief cities and their populations:

1. Boston: 589,141
   
2. Worcester: 172,648
   
3. Springfield: 152,082
   
4. Lowell: 105,167
   
5. Cambridge: 101,355
6. Brockton: 94,304
   
7. New Bedford: 93,768
   
8. Fall River: 91,938
   
9. Lynn: 89,050
   
10. Quincy: 88,025
     
    

Geography

Area: 8,257 square miles (land and water)
Largest body of water: Quabbin Reservoir (39 sq. miles)
Longest river: Charles River (80 miles)
Highest elevation: Mt. Greylock (3,491)
Lowest elevation: Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
Number of state parks: 107
Largest state park: October Mtn. State Forest, Lee (16,300 acres)
Number of national historical parks, seashores and historic sites: 12
Largest national area: Cape Cod National Seashore (43,500 sq. acres)

Government

Six constitutional officers elected for four years: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney General, Treasurer and Receiver General, Auditor

Constitutional Officers:
Governor: Deval Patrick
Lieutenant Governor: Tim Murray
Secretary of the Commonwealth: William Francis Galvin
Treasurer and Receiver General: Timothy P. Cahill
Attorney General: Martha Coakley
Auditor: A. Joseph DeNucci

Legislature:
Official Name: General Court
Senate: 40 members elected every two years.
House of Representatives: 160 members elected every two years.

Highest Court:
Supreme Judicial Court: Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall and six Associate Justices. All are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Executive Council.

Finance (fiscal year ending June 30, 2005):
Total expenditures: $35,335,860
Total revenues: $35,242,418