Archeologists believe that people lived in Massachusetts land area from about 3000 years ago. Tragically due to some diseases the Indians living here scattered. European immigrants arrived here in 1616 and the British Pilgrims seeking religious freedom landed here later in 1620. They established a democratic body which always agreed with the majority and first celebrated a thanksgiving party in 1621.



Gradually small fishing and trading started and then a large number of Puritans arrived in 1628 also seeking religious freedom from England to US. They built colonies on Massachusetts's bay and laid the foundations of electing a government.

The colony movement spread rapidly along the coast line towards the west. Those who were rebellious and not agreeing with the government went out further to New England states. Farming was a popular way of earning livelihood and farms appeared in the state.

They used to hold town meetings, in which every tax payer had equal voice and Massachusetts, thus contributed greatly to the political development of the US nation. The oldest building in Boston, Paul Revere House was the home of a patriot and silversmith from 1770 to 1800.

Adam's National Historic Site was the home of a President, John Adams, and it still preserves the cottages of the Adam's family. Rebecca Nurse Homestead was the home of a nurse who was accused of being a witch and was executed in 1692.

Special tours, events and lectures are held at Old Sturbridge Village to demonstrate The New English Communities of the 1830s. Hawthorne's birth place, House of the Seven Gables was the inspiration for his novels. It contains the Secret Staircase and the two 17th century houses so make it a point to see the sea side gardens here.

At Salem Witch Village you are told by the costumed guide, the history of witchcraft. Experience the 17th century daily life at Plymouth Plantations and watch the Pilgrims showing their daily chores and also visit the Crafts Center and Mayflower II on the harbor.

Situated in a ship yard, USS Constitution Museum preserves the treasure of "Old Ironsides." It exhibits ship's logs, weapons, charts and journals from latter days and nearby Ashland State Park has nice Ashland Reservoir. The park is operated seasonally from Memorable Day to Labor Day and with improvement in beach areas it has become possible for wheel chairs to access the beach and by ramp by the pond.

For watching wildlife The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is a perfect place at a broad expansion of Blackstone River known as Rice City pond. Other amenities are there too for interested visitors.