| A short
history of the Massachusetts State flag |
The arms and flag
of Massachusetts are among the earliest. The state was involved
in the Revolutionary War. In 1776 its white flag containing a
pine tree, and the motto "Appeal to Heaven", was widely
seen. Massachusetts had a state seal as early as 1629, which
was redesigned in 1780. To represent the United States an Indian
from the old seal reappeared on a blue shield together with a
white star. A scroll containing the state motto surrounded a
shield that was surmounted by a crest showing an arm holding
a sword. In 1787 the coat of arms appeared on the state's
militia flag, and was joined in 1908 by another blue shield on
the reverse side, however this time it contained a green pine
tree. The present-day official state flag was made identical
from the reverse side in October 1971. On November 1, 1971 Massachusetts
decided to revive its maritime flag. It's similar to the
pine tree flag of 1776, but without the "Appeal to Heaven" motto. |
| A short
history of Massachusetts (The Bay State) |
The Pilgrim Fathers
first settled Massachusetts in 1620, and the Colony was formed
in 1628. It also played a leading part in the Revolutionary War,
and on February 6, 1788 ratified the Constitution. |
| Area
of Massachusetts |
8,284 sq. miles |
Capital
|
Boston |
| Major
Products |
Dairy products,
poultry, fruit and vegetables, timber, fish and seafood, electrical
and electronic equipment, and machinery |
| State
Motto |
Ense petit placidam
sub libertate quientem("By the sword we seek peace, but
peace only under liberty") |
