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MAMassachusetts State Symbols
Massachusetts's official symbols
Nickname
The Bay State
State bird
Black-capped Chickadee
State flower
Mayflower
State tree
American Elm
State motto
Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem ("By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty")
State song
All Hail to Massachusetts
Capital
Boston
Statehood year
1788
About state symbols
Every US state has officially designated symbols — usually a bird, flower, tree, motto, and song — chosen to represent the state's identity, history, or natural environment. These symbols often appear on state license plates, state quarters, government seals, and tourism materials.
How Massachusetts got its nickname
Massachusetts is best known as "The Bay State." The nickname reflects the state's signature feature.
Symbols and nicknames in the daily puzzle
Statedoku features state nicknames as recurring constraints — learn them all in a few weeks.
Play today's puzzle →