11 Interesting Facts About Massachusetts That We’ll Bet You Didn’t Know
Everyone knows that there are lots of interesting facts about Massachusetts. The state 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 some of America’s most important treasures. However, when it comes to Massachusetts state facts, they are a few that aren’t as widely known. Massachusetts is the birthplace of some lesser-known gems and relics. From fun facts about Massachusetts to oddball Massachusetts trivia, here are some interesting facts about Massachusetts that we’ll bet you never knew…until now.
The T is just a normal part of our lives here in Beantown, but Boston’s subway system was the first ever created. Since its 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. It's not just a mode of transportation, though. There are also a few surprises hiding underground in Massachusetts.
2. The Fig Newton? Yep, that was named after Newton, Massachusetts.
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.
3. The first zip code ever is in Massachusetts. Shout out to 01001!
Boston Common 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!
7. It’s technically illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder in Massachusetts.
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 no classic New England recipe would ever allow for tainting Massachusetts’ most famous dish with tomato!
8. Once upon a time, Christmas was illegal in Massachusetts.
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 - and it's a good thing, too, because Christmas in Massachusetts is absolutely magical!
9. We have a state polka song. It’s called “Say Hello To Someone From Massachusetts.”
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. Not only is it the most unique lake in Massachusetts, but it's the longest place name in the country.
11. Retired rocking horses can be found at a spot called Ponyhenge in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
If you drive through Lincoln, you may come across one of the most unique roadside attractions in Massachusetts, 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."
So, how good are you at Massachusetts trivia? Did you know these fun facts about Massachusetts? What interesting facts about Massachusetts did we miss? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Fun facts about Massachusetts don’t end with those mentioned above. There are all kinds of interesting things about the state, including the fact that it’s home to a haunted castle. Located in Gloucester, the Hammond Castle Museum is purportedly haunted by the castle’s creator and first resident John Hays Hammond, Jr., who built the sprawling estate in 1926 to house his expansive collection of artifacts from ancient Rome through the Renaissance. Over the years, museum visitors have reportedly seen several apparitions, but it’s not just the ghost of Hammond that’s been spotted. Legend says Hammond’s wife and former groundskeepers also haunt the castle.
What are the best little known attractions in Massachusetts?
There are quite a few little known attractions in Massachusetts, and Gunn Brook Falls is one of them. The 20-foot waterfall is nestled within the Mount Toby State Forest in Sunderland, but don’t let that deter you. It’s one of the best easy-access waterfalls in Massachusetts and can be easily reached via a short out-and-back trail. When you arrive at the fall, you can trek down to its base, but it’s somewhat steep and obviously slippery, so use extreme caution. If you prefer to simply admire the waterfall, you can do that too. There are plenty of shaded areas surrounding the fall, so consider packing a lunch and staying a while.
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E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.
