Study in Massachusetts

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Massachusetts has played a significant role in American history since the Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, founded Plymouth Colony in 1620. As one of the most important of the 13 colonies, Massachusetts became a leader in resisting British oppression. In 1773, the Boston Tea Party protested unjust taxation. The Minute Men started the American Revolution by battling British troops at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

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

Massachusetts pioneered the manufacture of textiles and shoes. Today, these industries have been replaced in importance by activity in the electronics and communications equipment fields.

The state's cranberry crop is the nation's largest. Also important are dairy and poultry products, nursery and greenhouse produce, vegetables, and fruit.

Tourism has become an important factor in the economy of the state because of its numerous recreational areas and historical landmarks. Cape Cod has summer theaters, water sports, and an artists' colony at Provincetown. Tanglewood, in the Berkshires, features the summer concerts of the Boston Symphony.

Among the many other points of interest are Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge in central Massachusetts, Minute Man National Historical Park between Lexington and Concord, and Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth. In Boston there are many places of historical interest, including Old North Church, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

Nickname: Bay State; Old Colony State

Origin of name: From Massachusett tribe of Native Americans, meaning "at or about the great hill"

10 largest cities (2000): Boston, 589,141; Worcester, 172,648; Springfield, 152,082; Lowell, 105,167; Cambridge, 101,355; Brockton, 94,304; New Bedford, 93,768; Fall River, 91,938; Lynn, 89,050; Quincy, 88,025

Land area: 7,840 sq mi. (20,306 sq km)

Geographic center: In Worcester Co., in S part of city of Worcester

Number of counties: 14

Largest county by population and area: Middlesex, 1,463,454 (2001); Worcester, 1,513 sq mi.

State forests and parks: 144 (300,000 ac.)

Residents: Bay Stater

2002 resident population est.: 6,427,801

2000 resident census population (rank): 6,349,097 (13). Male: 3,058,816 (48.2%); Female: 3,290,281 (51.8%). White: 5,367,286 (84.5%); Black: 343,454 (5.4%); American Indian: 15,015 (0.2%); Asian: 238,124 (3.8%); Other race: 236,724 (3.7%); Two or more races: 146,005 (2.3%); Hispanic/Latino: 428,729 (6.8%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 13.5; median age: 36.5.