Posted in Massachusetts
April 28, 2020
11 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts That We’ll Bet You Didn’t Know
Everyone knows that Massachusetts is home to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history. From the Boston Tea Party to the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s easy to say that the Bay State is one of America’s most important treasures. However, Massachusetts is also the birthplace of some lesser-known gems and relics. From interesting facts to downright weird ones, here are some more fascinating facts about Massachusetts that we’ll bet you never knew until now.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The T is just a normal part of our lives here in Beantown, but Boston’s subway system was the first ever created. Since it’s construction in 1897, we all know it’s had quite a few hiccups, but it’s still been a main form of transportation in Beantown for more than a century.
These beloved treats were invented in Cambridge in 1891. They were almost called “Fig Shrewsbury,” but Newton won. In our opinion, Fig Newton sounds way better.
While the first zip code in the world is in Germany, the first of the states is in Agawam, Massachusetts.
In 1988, our state got its official state cat: the Tabby cat. This was in response to many schoolchildren’s wishes.
Children have a lot of power in Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by schoolchildren back in 1986.
Boston Commons dates all the way back to 1634 when it became the first public green space. While this spot is now a popular attraction in Boston, another interesting fact is that it used to be used to graze sheep!
There are quite a few under-the-radar laws in Massachusetts from back in the day that aren’t enforced anymore. One prohibits using tomatoes in clam chowder since the classic New England recipe would never dream of tainting the soup with tomato!
Way back in 1659, Boston passed a law that outlawed the celebration of Christmas. This was due to Puritans believing the holiday was too indulgent, and therefore immoral. Of course, this was reversed about 20 years later.
This song was written by Lenny Gomulka and officially became our state polka song in 1998.
Nope, that’s not a typo. What’s now known to most as Lake Webster was originally Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg before being shortened to Lake Chaubunagungamaug. It derives from the Loup dialect, which is an Algonquian language. This is the longest place name in the country.
If you drive through Lincoln, you may come across a strange gathering of plastic rocking horses. These ponies mysteriously appeared sometime in 2010, and no one knows why. It started with just one horse, but it has grown over the years. Locals have officially named this anonymous roadside attraction “Ponyhenge."
Did you know any of these fascinating facts about Massachusetts? What other interesting facts did we miss? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments!
Address: Massachusetts, USA
