| 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") |
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