From the first landing in Plymouth Rock in 1620, Massachusetts was destined to be different. Its shores have welcomed millions of immigrants over the centuries whom have impacted and matured the state taking it from its Puritanical foundations and onto a major leader of in American political, economic and social thinking. The state is well endowed with an excellent educational system giving it a good foundation in support of its great number of colleges and universities. For its relatively small size, Massachusetts is a remarkably beautiful state with a tremendous number of opportunities for visitors. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, and the old port city of New Bedford all have histories deeply rooted in whaling tradition. Boston is a marvel of cities retaining much of its ethnic heritage clearly intact without cultural friction. Just about everywhere you look in Boston you can see some building, monument or street which has been central to the development of America. The markers of its cemeteries tell a "Who's Who" of the Revolutionary War. Boston Common, Freedom Trail and Quincy Market are all essential parts of a visit to Boston. Away from the city you'll find, Salem, Gloucester and Rockport. Plimouth Plantation and Sturbridge Village. To the far west are the lovely Berkshires where, hidden in its rolling hills, are some of the most delightful little villages to be found anywhere. Come to Massachusetts and discover America all over again.
Capital: Boston
Population: 6, 016, 425
Area: 10, 554 sq. miles
Time: Eastern Time (US)
Geography: The state is bordered by New York State in the west, Vermont and New Hampshire to the north and Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south. In the east is the Atlantic Ocean. The state has the Berkshire Mountains in the west and slowly become hills as you move eastward. The Connecticut River flows through the western third of Massachusetts. East of the river, Massachusetts is mostly rolling hills until you approach the coast in the east which is relatively flat. Cape Cod stretches out into the Atlantic and the popular islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are not far from the "Cape's" southern shore.
Climate
Massachusetts is situated in the southern portion of New England and has a common border with New York in the west and the Atlantic in the east. The western portion of the state tends to be cold in the winter and is a good area for skiing especially in the Berkshire Mountains. As you move eastward toward the ocean, temperatures during the winter tend to rise. In the summer months the west is usually quite warm and the shore areas are cooler. Spring and autumn are quite delightful with fall colors being at their best in late September and early October. |
