Massachusetts has a rich history, having been an original colony in the early 1600s. The state currently has an area of about 8,316 square miles and is often referred to as ‘the Bay State’ due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is not located west of the Mississippi River, which serves as the eastern border of the United States. It doesn’t even border any of the states that stretch between Massachusetts and the Mississippi River.
To properly understand why Massachusetts is not located west of the Mississippi River, it makes sense to think of the country as a map. The Mississippi River is the most prominent river in the United States, running from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. As the river runs south, it flows through both the eastern and central states, becoming an important part of the nation’s transportation system. States that are located directly to the east of the Mississippi River include Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The remaining states that lie to the east of the Mississippi River are Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Massachusetts, on the other hand, is located in the northeast corner of the United States, with Rhode Island directly to its south and New Hampshire and Vermont to its north. It is even further away from the Mississippi River than states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, which all border the river. It is also important to note that Massachusetts does not have any state bordering it that is located west of the Mississippi River, such as Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, or Texas.
When researching this topic further, one can also consider the geography of Massachusetts itself. The farthest western point in the state is the town of Williamstown in Berkshire County. Williamstown is approximately 150 miles east of the Mississippi River, which puts it firmly in the eastern portion of the United States. Similarly, the majority of Massachusetts’ population is located along the eastern coast, with its largest city, Boston, located even further away from the Mississippi River.
From an ecological standpoint, it is important to note that the presence of the Mississippi River has shaped the landscape of much of the central and southern portions of the United States. It has been estimated that the Mississippi River has created over 3 million acres of wetlands, which provide invaluable habitat for wildlife and help to filter out pollutants from the area’s water systems. It has also become a major part of agriculture and industry, providing water to countless farms and businesses across the midwestern and southern United States.
Ultimately, Massachusetts is not located west of the Mississippi River. The geography of the state and the importance of the river in the United States both play a role in this conclusion. For those curious about the geography of Massachusetts, the state does have a long border with the Atlantic Ocean, which may be worth exploring for its own unique set of features.
Geology of Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts is part of the larger geological region of New England, which is known for its varied landscape. From the rocky shoreline of Cape Cod and the low, rolling hills of the Berkshires, to the higher and more rugged terrain of the White Mountains, the geology of Massachusetts offers an interesting array of formations. The northern part of the state is part of the Canadian Shield, an ancient bedrock formed by glacial action during the Quaternary Ice Age, while the southern portion is heavily forested and home to many large lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
The geology of Massachusetts is largely the product of many different distinct geological processes over time, resulting in various types of mineral deposits, unique topographical features, and rich soil production. The Appalachian Orogeny, which lasted from the Cambrian to Silurian periods, formed the majority of the present-day mountain ranges and hills in Massachusetts. Glaciation during the Pleistocene Epoch shaped much of the surface topography, creating deep valleys, low, rolling hills, and the coastal plain of the Cape Cod region.
The valleys and ridge lines of the state have proven to be invaluable for human activities such as agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. But the geological features of Massachusetts are more than just human assets—they have been instrumental in shaping the cultural and natural history of the area as well. From the rocky landforms of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island to the breathtaking geology of the White Mountains and the rolling Blue Hills, Massachusetts offers a wealth of geological beauty.
Politics of Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a proud history of political engagement, with the state playing a major role in the development of American democracy. As one of the original thirteen colonies, Massachusetts was the birthplace of the American Revolution. The state has also served as the site of important events in the nation’s later history, such as the Boston Tea Party and later the first meetings of the American Anti-Slavery Society.
Today, Massachusetts is considered a reliably blue state in terms of its voting patterns. Every state office, as well as both of the state’s U.S. Senate seats, are held by Democrats. The state’s nine U.S. House representatives represent six different districts, all of which are held by Democrats. The state has held a Democratic majority in the House since 1993, and has a Democratic governor since 2009.
Massachusetts is seen as a leader on many progressive issues. In 2018, the state’s legislature passed a bill to ensure that every Massachusetts resident had access to health insurance, and in 2016, the state became the first in the nation to pass a law that protects its transgender residents from discrimination. Massachusetts also has a long history of fighting for civil rights and racial justice, dating back to the earliest days of the state’s history.
As a reflection of the state’s politics and values, Massachusetts has consistently been at the forefront of progressive legislation in the United States. The state’s majority party encompasses a broad range of opinions and ideologies, united by a commitment to equal rights and economic opportunity. Ultimately, Massachusetts remains a bastion of progressive politics and social justice.
Economy of Massachusetts
The Bay State has a thriving and well-rounded economy, which is home to a number of world-renowned universities and corporate headquarters. Governor Charlie Baker has kept taxes low and the unemployment rate under 4 percent since the end of 2017, making Massachusetts an enviable destination for businesses and entrepreneurs. Despite the lack of natural resources, the state has managed to leverages its proximity to the ocean to create a booming tourism industry.
The technology and biotechnology sectors are the state’s most important industries. Massachusetts is the home of tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, as well as biotech giants such as Genzyme, Vertex, and Biogen. The state is also home to a number of venture capital firms, helping to facilitate startup growth and innovation. All of these different elements have contributed to Massachusetts becoming an international hub for technology and innovation.
Manufacturing also plays a significant role in the state’s economy, though its importance has decreased in recent decades. Massachusetts is home to major automotive and aerospace companies such as General Electric and Boeing. The state is also the birthplace of many products we rely on in our daily lives, from the Polaroid camera to the Gillette razor.
The state also has a strong financial presence, with major banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup all having a presence in Massachusetts. Insurance companies like Liberty Mutual and progressive financial institutions like Morningstar and State Street also call the Bay State home. The Bay State is a major center for financial technology, with a number of fintech startups calling the state home.
Transportation in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a relatively small state compared to many of its neighboring states, yet it has an extensive network of roadways and public transportation options, including an extensive system of commuter rail lines running throughout the state. Boston, the state’s capital, is home to the oldest subway system in the United States, and the state’s public transportation system connects most of the major cities and towns in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Turnpike is a major east-west roadway that connects Boston to New York City and reaches further west to the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Interstate 95 runs along the southern coast of the state, connecting the major cities of Boston, Providence, and New Haven. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs a number of buses and light rail lines that connect most of the major cities and towns in the Greater Boston area.
Boston is also home to one of the busiest airports in the United States and handles a large number of international flights. Logan Airport is served by most of the world’s major airlines and is the primary hub for Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways. The Massachusetts Port Authority operates several other regional airports in the state, as well as a number of ports along the coast.
Massachusetts also has a number of ferry systems, providing service to Nantucket Island and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as to Connecticut and Rhode Island. There is a major naval base in Boston, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Cape Cod. In addition, a number of regional and national bus companies serve the state, including Greyhound, Peter Pan, and the Chinatown Bus lines.
