Ever since the Pilgrims came to the area, Massachusetts has been an integral part of the history of the United States. They came to Massachusetts in 1620, trying to escape religious oppression in Britain. The Boston Tea Party, which was a protest against taxation, took place in the state in 1773. Then, on April 19, 1775, the battle of Lexington and Concord took place in Massachusetts, starting the American Revolution.
Massachusetts, officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of the states of New England. Massachusetts entered the Union as the sixth of the original 13 states. When still a colony, it had become an important intellectual center, known for Harvard College and the cultural institutions of Boston. Many events in Massachusetts, including the Stamp Act riots (1765), the Boston Massacre (1770), and the Boston Tea Party (1773), were precursors to the American Revolution (1775-1783). The first battles of the revolution were fought in Massachusetts, and its role in colonial history can be seen in the many well-preserved landmarks in such historic places as Plymouth, Boston, Lexington, and Concord.
Massachusetts got its start as a commercial and fishing area, but it soon became known for social welfare, medicine and educational endeavors. In the 19th century, it was known as a footwear and textile manufacturing state, but in the following century it was the high-technology and electronic fields that took off in the state.
Massachusetts is also a state full of summer resort areas, such as Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Code. The state is full of recreational locations and activities.
The name “Massachusetts” is believed to have come from the name of an Algonquin village. The state is nicknamed “The Bay State” after the site of the puritans’ colony at Massachusetts Bay. The state has also gone by many other nicknames, including “The Puritan State” and “The Pilgrim State.”
Massachusetts Counties – The State of Massachusetts was founded as the 6th state on Feb. 6, 1788. It has 14 Counties. The state of Massachusetts is bordered by Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont. The capital is Boston and the official state website is http://www.mass.gov/
Select a Massachusetts county to view information & records pertaining to each County
Massachusetts Genealogy Record Guides
