Massachusetts Nicknames: From the Bay State to the Cape

Massachusetts has many historical nicknames:

• The Bay State – References Massachusetts Bay Colony and the coastal geography.
• The Old Colony State – Refers to Plymouth Colony, the first permanent European settlement in New England (1620).
• The Pilgrim State – Honors the Mayflower Pilgrims.
• The Codfish State – Cod fishing drove the early economy.
• The Baked Bean State – Boston baked beans were a staple.
• The Puritan State – Reflects the dominant early religious character.
• The Commonwealth – Official designation: "Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
• The Cape – Often refers to Cape Cod, the iconic peninsula.

These nicknames highlight the state's maritime, colonial, and cultural heritage.