Massachusetts has played a
significant role in American history since the
Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, founded
Plymouth Colony in 1620. As one of the most
important of the 13 colonies, Massachusetts became a
leader in resisting British oppression. In 1773, the
Boston Tea Party protested unjust taxation. The
Minute Men started the American Revolution by
battling British troops at Lexington and Concord on
April 19, 1775.
During the 19th century, Massachusetts was famous
for the intellectual activity of its writers and
educators and for its expanding commercial fishing,
shipping, and manufacturing interests. Massachusetts
pioneered the manufacture of textiles and shoes.
Today, these industries have been replaced in
importance by the electronics and communications
equipment fields.
The state's cranberry crop is the nation's
second-largest (after Wisconsin). Also important are
dairy and poultry products, nursery and greenhouse
produce, vegetables, and fruit.
Tourism has become an important factor in the
economy of the state because of its numerous
recreational areas and historical landmarks. Cape
Cod has beaches, summer theaters, and an artists'
colony at Provincetown. The Berkshires, in the
western part of the state, is the site of Tanglewood,
the summer home of the Boston Symphony; art museums,
including Mass MoCA and the Clark Institute; and
Jacob's Pillow, a world renowned dance center.
Among the many other points of interest are Old
Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Minute Man
National Historical Park between Lexington and
Concord, and Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth. In
Boston there are many places of historical interest,
including Old North Church, Old State House, Faneuil
Hall, the USS Constitution, and the John F. Kennedy
Library and Museum. |
