A Little History:
Massachusetts is one of America's oldest states and has a history of well over 300 years. The pilgrims came ashore in 1620 and started the Thanksgiving ritual in 1621. In 1773, history was made by Bostonians who had the famous "Boston Tea party" aboard a British Tea ship. They tossed the tea into the Boston harbor protesting against the unfair taxation. The British were driven out of Boston in 1776.
Massachusetts gained its statehood on Feb 6th, 1788 making it the 6th state to get the honor. This state has sent 4 of her sons to become the president of the United States Of America. They were John.F.Kennedy(35th), John Adams(2nd), John Qunicy Adams(6th) & George Herbert Walker Bush(41st)
Some Known Facts :
Here are some of the interesting facts about Massachusetts. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. Massachusetts is very well known by her many nicknames.
The Bay State: Massachusetts is commonly known as "The Bay State" with reference to the Cape Cod Bay were in the early settlers landed.
The Baked Bean State:The puritans served brown bread and baked beans on sundays. Due to this practice came the name Baked bean state. It is still famous around here.
The Pilgrim State: This nickname refers to the settlement of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony.
The State Flower - MayflowerThe State Quarter
The pligrims named their ship after Mayflower because the pink and white flowers of this plant were known to represent hope. Appropriately the Mayflower was adopted as the official state flower on May Day, May 1, 1918. Unfortunately this flower is counted among the endangered species now.
The people who live here or come from here are known as Bay staters, after one of the state's nicknames. The designation was made official by the legislature on Dec 18th 1990. A commomerative quarter displaying the 'minuteman statue' was released in the year 2000. This statue stands for a tribute to the farmers and colonists who were always ready for taking their arms against the British.
Our Stay in Massachusetts
We have been living in Massachusetts for the past 2 1/2 years. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of this place. We have enjoyed staying here and have had great fun visiting the wonderful places in and around Massachusetts. Here are some of them from Massachusetts:
1. Southeastern Mass:
This part of Massachusetts is famous for its beaches and towns like Plymouth. This is where we get to see one of the most interesting outdoor museum, The Plimoth plantation. Not too far from the museum is the Mayflower II a replica of the infamous ship which brought 102 pligrims in the year 1620 from Holland and England, who settled down here. Apart from these 2 places the other attractions around here are the Edaville Railroad, New Bedford Whaling museum, Battleship Cove etc.
2. Plimoth Plantation:
This is an outdoor museum which depicts the life of pilgrims and how they struggled and lived in those days. Visitors can talk to people enacting like the old pilgrims. Just around the corner to these pilgrims, there is another group of people enacting like Red Indians and we get to know how their lives were and how these two groups of people lived in harmony. A woman enacts as a Red Indian here. She explained how their life was during the 17th century.
3. Boston:
Boston the capital city of Massachusetts is a vibrant place. It is the focal point for business, culture, dining and nightlife. The freedom trail is Boston's biggest attraction which is a 2.5 mile path with some old historic places like the Old North Church, where a lantern once warned Paul Revere about the British plans, The Bunker hill monument, The Boston Commons which is America's first park etc. Then you get to see some modern structures like the John Hancock tower atop which you can see an aerial view of Boston.
4. Cambridge:
Just across the Charles river is Cambridge -The neighbouring city which is known for its creative expression and individualism. You will get to see many amateur performers around the Harvard Square. It is also famous for its prestigious schools the MIT & the Harvard University. You will get to taste some of the spiciest food here
5. Cape Cod :
Cape Cod along with Martha's vineyard and Nantucket are a bunch of islands known for their golden coloured sandy beaches. These are some of the best vacationing spots on the East coast. These great summer getaways with many little shops attract visitors from all over. The picturesque view from the Gayhead peak was beautiful. Here you see the Gayhead coastline and the rocky hills around it.
6. Northeastern Mass :
Glouchester and Rockport are two cities famous for its rocky coastline, state parks and fishing. These and many other cities like Lowell, Salem and the gorgeous North shore regions make up the Northeastern part of Massachusetts. Glouchester is the nation's oldest fishing seaport. During summer people flock up here for whale watching and to enjoy the warm beaches. Here you can see the "Man on the Wheel" statue dedicated to the fishermen who went down the sea. Halibut point is one of the state parks in the Rockport-Glouchester area, which is a quiet place to picnic while the waves crash against the rocky shore. It is one of the best areas to enjoy the rocky coastline.
7. Salem :
Salem is known for its witch trials which took place in 1692, resulting in the death of 32 people. Halloween a festival of ghosts and spirits is celebrated authentically here. The festive mood is on through out October. You will get a glimpse of people dressed up as all kinds of creepy creatures. Here you see a 3D cutout of a witch. It was really amusing to take our pictures with that. Other attractions in Salem are the Derby wharf, The 1818's Customs house, The witch museum and many other spooky museums.
8. Western Mass:
Towns nestled in the berkshires are cosy and peacful. Around the fall season it is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The colourful trees look more like a painting. The places around here are known for its museums like the Museums at the quadrangle, Norman Rockwell's Museum etc. Other attractions around this place are the Basketball Hall of fame, Hancock Shaker village, Butterfly conservatory and many more.
9. Springfield:
Springfield is best known for its museums. Museum at the Quadrangle is a set of 4 museums which includes the George Walter Vincent Smith art museum, The Springfield Science museum, The connecticut Valley Historical museum and the museum of fine arts. It also has a aquarium, dinosaur and wildlife exhibits. You will also get to access the major urban resource library. Unique paintings and artifects are displayed here and children get to enjoy the "please touch" exhibits and the bronze sculpure garden of Dr.Seuss. Here you see the the bronze sculpture of Dr. Seuss working at his table and beside him is his cat in the hat.
There are many other places in Massachusetts which are worth every minute of the visit.
(1)Drumlin Farm - This is a little "domestic animal zoo". Situated west of Boston.
(2)Wachusett Mountains- A beautiful mountainous region with sky rides and other fun activities.
(3)Holyoke- Here is where we get to see the huge fossilised dinosaurus foot prints.
(4)Bishbash Falls- A beautiful falls tucked inside the mountains.
(5)Sri Lakshmi Temple- Situated in Ashland this is one of the peaceful places to pray for the grace of god.
(6)Quabbin Reservoir- The reservoir which supplies water to most of the eastern part of Massachusetts.
(7)The Jacob's Ladder- Another mountainous region full of little falls and Gorges.
(8)World's End- A awesome place to relax and walk around with your loved ones.
Massachusetts is one of the 6 states which makes up the New England area. We have had the oppurtunity to visit all of them and many other states during our stay. Here are the other 5 states of New England.
Vermont , Rhode Island , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , Maine & Connecticut
Each one of them is unique and gorgeous in its own way. The Fall season is a photographer's delight, it is heavenly to see the different colors of the trees. Infact it looks like god just painted a bouquet of trees with all the vibrant colors!! Take a peek at these snaps of places we have visited here in US. Please do visit my Sweet memories link too, to see more pictures.
Places We Have Seen In USA
