- **Date of Independence:** July 4, 1776 (as one of the original 13 colonies declaring independence from Britain) - **Date of Annexation to [[United States of America (USA)]]:** February 6, 1788 (6th state to ratify the Constitution) - **Population (2025):** 7.03 million - **GDP (2025):** $650 billion - **Largest City:** Boston (695,000) - **State Capital:** Boston (695,000) - **Historical Note:** Known as the "Bay State." One of the original 13 colonies. Birthplace of American Revolution (Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre). Birthplace of Presidents [[John Adams]], [[John Quincy Adams]], [[John F. Kennedy]], and [[George H.W. Bush]]. Home to Harvard and MIT. Major biotechnology, healthcare, and education hub. Known for cranberry bogs, Cape Cod, and Salem witch trials history.