Massachusetts Travel Guide
Under the constitution, Massachusetts is the 6th State of the United States (1788). The area of the state - 10.6 thousand square miles. The population - some 6.4 million people. The word «Massachusetts» has Indian origins and means "Place of the big hill." Despite the fact that Massachusetts is 45th in terms of state size, it claimed to be the leader and the intellectual center of the nation. But, it has every reason to. The first printed editions, newspapers, libraries and secondary schools emerged in Massachusetts. America's oldest university - Harvard was founded in Cambridge in 1636. The first public school was founded a little later in 1647. Please note that the American Revolution began in Boston. And today, countless intellectuals propose and apply their talents here in the field of high technology and programming. Numerous colleges and universities have attracted students from all over the world and the state has become so cosmopolitan. Ancient by American standards, Boston (founded in 1630) is now a major seaport and transportation center. But apart from the abundance of academics, Massachusetts charms with Berkshire hills to the west and beautiful coast in the east. Whaling port cities and centers of the recent past have attracted many tourists and summer vacationers to its beaches.
The flag shows a Massachusetts native American. The white star indicates that Massachusetts is one of the first 13 states. On a blue ribbon the state motto is written: «By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty» (ie «We are making peace with the sword, but peace only in the freedom»). One of the symbols of the state flower is the mayflower - on board a ship with the same name in America, the first colonists arrived from Europe.
The capital of the state - Boston, the largest cities - Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge, Brockton.
Massachusetts - record of the number of U.S. presidents who were born here. John Adams (2 nd President, 1797-1801), John Quincy Adams (6 th, 1825-1829), John Kennedy (35-1, 1961-1963), George Bush Senior (41 th, 1989-1993) .
What to see
Freedom Trail - sightseeing tour called «Freedom Trail». Tourists are invited to travel to Boston, the place of the revolution, to understand all the events of the 18th century, and to understand the people and the ideals of the time. Freedom Trail connects most of the national historical parks in Boston, covering the main sights of the city center.
Faneuil Hall - located in Boston, built in 1742. This is an old building, where 1764 to 1774 to meet the city authorities, where Samuel Adams and others voted against taxing the colonies. The building was expanded in 1806. There were hot debates in the fight for freedom. The building represents the architectural and historical value.
USS Constitution - in the city of Charlestown. This is the oldest warship, which is still under way. You can climb aboard.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - This museum was opened in 1903. There are various exhibitions. While at the museum you can listen to classical music and take a walk in the garden. In the galleries of the museum are paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and furniture of different eras.
House of Seven Gables - located in the town of Salem. It was built in 1668. It is the oldest wooden building of the 17th century United States. There is a historical museum, where costumes are presented. You can also visit the house-museum of writer Nathaniel Hotorna, who wrote the novel «House of Seven Gables».