6 old facts about Massachusetts

1. Boston is the capital and the largest city of Massachusetts. Over 80% of the state's population live in the Boston metropolitan area.

2. Plymouth was the site of the first colony in New England. Founded in 1620, it was the second permanent English colony in what was to become the United States. The Puritans, who founded the colony, believed the Church of England to be in need of purification. The colony was organized around their beliefs, which led to intolerance (and banishment) of dissenters (whose religious beliefs and practices differed from Puritan beliefs and practices).

3. American colonial protests against Great Britain grew after the end of the French and Indian War (1763), especially with regard to taxation. (Remember hearing about the Boston Tea Party? yup, taxation issues)

4. The Battles of Lexington and Concord (in Massachusetts) were the start of the American Revolutionary War. After these battles, George Washington became the leader of what was soon the Continental Army.

5. During the Civil War, Massachusetts was the first state to recruit, train, and arm a regiment of black men (with white officeers), the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

6. As of February, 2016, 53% of the registered voters in the state were not enrolled in any political party.