7 things I didn't know about Massachusetts

1. How to spell it
2. Massachusetts translates to 'near the great hill'
3. Its highest point is 3,491 ft at Mount Greylock
4. The state motto is: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem meaning By the sword she seeks peace under liberty
5. The major airport in the state is Logan International Airport
6. Massachusetts became the first state to issue same-sex marriage licenses, on May 17, 2004
7. The 14 counties of Massachusetts are: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket. All but two of the Commonwealth's counties are named for British counties, cities, or nobles.