Home to the country's oldest high school (Boston Latin School), university (Harvard University) and public library (Boston Public Library), Massachusetts is well known for the school and education system. Massachusetts is also known for its large bays, giving its coastline a distinctive shape.
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Embodied in Massachusetts’ history is much of the United States heritage. Early in the 1600s the colonists, fleeing from the tyrannies of Europe, settled in Massachusetts and it became the cradle of commerce and industry. Many present day concepts began there, from government to the first, free public schools. With the election of John F. Kennedy, Massachusetts was once again propelled into the political limelight.
Massachusetts has about twenty-five percent of its land suitable for farming with varying crops and commodities. It became the first industrialized state with the establishment of the salt works at Beverly and ironworks in both Saugus and Quincy. With the abundance of water power, huge textile mills were built there. Massachusetts set the example in establishing standards for shipyards and is now setting them for high-technology enterprises.
The statewide sales tax is five percent and lodging taxes range from five point seven percent to nine point seven percent.
With its geographical location, it is not hard to guess what are some of the most popular recreational activities. Some of them are fishing, both deep sea and inland lake, boating and all water sports. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding for residents and tourists alike. The coast is lined with resort towns that boast themselves to be the most prestigious to the most quaint. It can satisfy both the seashore and mountain devotees. A trip back in time can be accomplished by visiting some of our nation’s most historic buildings and landmarks. Boston has two of these sites; Faneuil Hall and Harvard, the oldest university in the country.
