Origin of State Name : Derived from the name of the Massachuset Indian tribe that lived on Massachusetts Bay; the name is thought to mean "at or about the Great Hill."

Nickname : The Bay State.

Capital : Boston.

Land area : 7,840 square miles

Country : 14 counties

Entered Union : 6 February 1788 (6th).

Song : "All Hail to Massachusetts."

Folk Song : "Massachusetts."

Poem : "Blue Hills of Massachusetts."

Motto : Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty).

Flag : The coat of arms on a white field.

Heroine : Deborah Sampson.

Bird : Chickadee.

Horse : Morgan horse.

Dog : Boston terrier.

Marine Mammal : Right whale.

Fish : Cod.

Insect : Ladybug.

Flower : Mayflower (ground laurel).

Tree : American elm.

Gem : Rhodonite.

Mineral : Babingtonite.

Rock : Roxbury puddingstone.

Historical Rock : Plymouth Rock.

Agriculture : Seafood, nursery stock, dairy products, cranberries, vegetables.

Industry : Machinery, electric equipment, scientific instruments, printing and publishing, tourism.