The 17th of August is National Massachusetts Day, which honors the second of 13 original New England colonies and the sixth state to join the Union. The indigenous people who inhabited the area when the explorers (and later, pilgrims) first arrived gave the state its name. Massachusetts holds a special place in American history because it is where the Mayflower landed and where the fight for independence from Great Britain was most fiercely fought in the years following its admission to the Union. Today, we commemorate the Union's expansion with the addition of Massachusetts.
History Of National Massachusetts Day
The Mayflower, and the first pilgrims to the Americas, landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620, and the Massachusetts Bay Colony was established ten years later, after much strife and conflict with the local Wampanoag tribespeople. Several times throughout the state's history, it has played an important role in shaping America we know today. Without the support of Massachusetts and its intellectual elite, the concept of taxation without representation might have remained just that: an idea.
Massachusetts, also known as the Cradle of Liberty, was the site of the Sons of Liberty's founding and the Boston Tea Party, both pivotal events in the lead-up to the American Revolution. In Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the war for America's freedom and independence from the British Empire and King George III began in 1775. Massachusetts residents were ardent patriots who advocated for independence from the tyranny of colonial rule, but the state is known for much more than its patriotic voice.
Following the American Civil War in 1865, Massachusetts lost much of its manufacturing capacity and fell out of favor. The advent of the first and second world wars saw a return to some level of productivity, but Massachusetts was plagued by deindustrialization and high unemployment rates well into the late 1970s. What is now known as the Massachusetts Miracle occurred in the 1980s. Harvard University and MIT made significant developments that resulted in an influx of technology-focused businesses opening offices in the state, boosting the local economy and reestablishing Massachusetts as a pillar of the American economy.
National Massachusetts Day Timeline
It Looks Lovely in Massachusetts (1602)
Bartholomew Gosnold, an English explorer, anchors off the coast of Massachusetts.
It's a Long Commute(1620)
The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England, for the New World, arriving and docking in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Becomes a Slave State(1638)
The first slaves arrive in Massachusetts after crossing the Atlantic Ocean directly from Africa.
The birth of Thomas Putman(1652)
During a dark period in history, Thomas Putman is born and goes on to become the ringleader of the Salem Witch Trials.
It's The Redcoats' Turn(1774)
Paul Revere famously rides to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to warn fellow Americans and colonists of the impending arrival of the redcoats.
An Official State(1788)
Massachusetts' borders have been redrawn, and it is now officially recognized as a state, a member of the American Union.
National Massachusetts Day: How To Observe
Cranberries Can Be Used in Anything
The cranberry is the state berry of Massachusetts, and it goes with everything. You can start by making smoothies with these extremely versatile little things.
Explore a Historic Site
If your town or state has a historic site, chances are Massachusetts has something to do with it. Especially when it comes to joining the union and rejecting King George III.
Massachusetts is a Great Place to Visit
Treat yourself to a memorable occasion visit to Massachusetts if you live nearby. Discover the significance of this symbolic state. Visit Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard before you leave.
Why Massachusetts Day Is Important
Cranberries are Our Treat
Cranberries are something we all enjoy. An excuse to eat the unique fruit is reason enough to celebrate National Massachusetts Day.
A Chance to Celebrate the History
It is critical to recognize Massachusetts and its role in American history. The sacrifices made to make America what it is today should never be forgotten.
A Big Middle Finger to Colonialism for The First Time
The departure of the six New England colonies marked the end of imperial rule and altered the rules of colonial expansion. Massachusetts represents the first time a nation literally stood by its guns to drive out its colonizer.
Conclusion
The people of Massachusetts have had a great impact on history and today they continue to do so through their contribution in different fields. It is such an honor to celebrate their legacy, and there are so many ways you can show your love for this day as well.
From sharing historical facts about the famous person on social media to casually chatting with family members, celebrating this special occasion calls for various types of activities. To make sure you don’t forget anything, it is better to be prepared with some simple tips like keeping a database on your phone about the notable people from Massachusetts’s history or what we call “snippets” if you like shorter ones. All these will also help when writing down remarks that you want to share.
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