Massachusetts : Factual Information
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Facts 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.