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 first subway system was built in Boston.
aphotostory / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images 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.
- The Fig Newton? Yep, that was named after Newton, Massachusetts.
duckycards / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images 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.
- The first zip code ever is in Massachusetts. Shout out to 01001!
Hill Street Studios / DigitalVision via Getty Images While the first zip code in the world is in Germany, the first of the states is in Agawam, Massachusetts.
- Our official state cat is the Tabby cat.
Midori Chuan Tián / EyeEm via Getty Images In 1988, our state got its official state cat: the Tabby cat. This was in response to many schoolchildren’s wishes.
- Also, our official state muffin is the corn muffin.
pjohnson1 / E+ via Getty Images Children have a lot of power in Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by schoolchildren back in 1986.
- The first public park to ever exist was Boston Common.
Bill Ross / The Image Bank via Getty Images 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!
- It’s technically illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder in Massachusetts.
Sergio Amiti / Moment via Getty Images 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!
- Once upon a time, Christmas was illegal in Massachusetts.
Kalim Saliba / Moment via Getty Images 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!
- We have a state polka song. It’s called “Say Hello To Someone From Massachusetts.”
sebastian-julian / E+ via Getty Images This song was written by Lenny Gomulka and officially became our state polka song in 1998.
- In Webster, you’ll find Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.
Nancy Q/TripAdvisor 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.
- Retired rocking horses can be found at a spot called Ponyhenge in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
Brook Pennington/Google Local 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.
aphotostory / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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.
duckycards / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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.
Hill Street Studios / DigitalVision via Getty Images
While the first zip code in the world is in Germany, the first of the states is in Agawam, Massachusetts.
Midori Chuan Tián / EyeEm via Getty Images
In 1988, our state got its official state cat: the Tabby cat. This was in response to many schoolchildren’s wishes.
pjohnson1 / E+ via Getty Images
Children have a lot of power in Massachusetts since our state muffin was also decided by a petition created by schoolchildren back in 1986.
Bill Ross / The Image Bank via Getty Images
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!
Sergio Amiti / Moment via Getty Images
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!
Kalim Saliba / Moment via Getty Images
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!
sebastian-julian / E+ via Getty Images
This song was written by Lenny Gomulka and officially became our state polka song in 1998.
Nancy Q/TripAdvisor
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.
Brook Pennington/Google Local
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."
Can’t get enough Massachusetts trivia? Then you’re going to love reading about the amazing things invented in Massachusetts.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Interesting Facts About Massachusetts May 10, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo Are there any haunted castles in Massachusetts? 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Interesting Facts About Massachusetts
May 10, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Are there any haunted castles in Massachusetts? 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.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
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.
