Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MASSACHUSETTS FACTS
Nickname
Bay State
Population
6.5 million
Area
7840 sq miles
Capital city
Boston (population 625,100)
Other cities
Worcester (population 181,600), Springfield (population 153,200)
Sales tax
6.25%
Birthplace of
Inventor Benjamin Franklin (1706-90), five presidents including
John F Kennedy (1917-63), authors Jack Kerouac (1922-69) and Henry David
Thoreau (1817-62)
Home of
Harvard University, Boston Marathon, Plymouth Rock
Politics
Lefty
Famous for
Boston Tea Party, first state to legalize gay marriage
State Sweets
Boston Cream Pie, Dunkin' Donuts, Fig Newtons
Driving distances
Boston to Provincetown 145 miles, Boston to Northampton 98
miles, Boston to Acadia National Park 310 miles
Sights & Activities
Boston's small size means that it's easy to walk and difficult to drive. Most of Boston's
main attractions are found in or near the city center. Begin at Boston Common, where
you'll find the tourist office and the start of the Freedom Trail.
Boston Common & Public Garden
Boston Common
PARK
(btwn Tremont, Charles, Beacon & Park Sts; 6am-midnight; ; Park St)
The Boston Com-
mon has served many purposes over the years, including as a campground for British
troops during the Revolutionary War and as green grass for cattle grazing until 1830. Al-
though there is still a grazing ordinance on the topics, the common today serves picnick-
ers, sunbathers and people-watchers.
