Massachusetts State Maps
These maps show Massachusetts State Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.
The 14 Counties of Massachusetts and Their Name Origins
- Barnstable County: Named for the town of Barnstaple in England.
- Berkshire County: Named after Berkshire in England.
- Bristol County: Named after the English city of Bristol.
- Dukes County: Named after the Duke of York.
- Essex County: Named after Essex in England.
- Franklin County: Named for Benjamin Franklin.
- Hampden County: Named after John Hampden, an English politician.
- Hampshire County: Named after Hampshire, England.
- Middlesex County: Named after Middlesex in England.
- Nantucket County: From a Native American word meaning "faraway land."
- Norfolk County: Named after Norfolk in England.
- Plymouth County: Named after Plymouth, England.
- Suffolk County: Named after Suffolk, England.
- Worcester County: Named after Worcester, England.
Massachusetts State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in Massachusetts State
Nantucket County: 48 sq miles
Largest County in Massachusetts State
Worcester County: 1,579 sq miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in Massachusetts State
Mean Area: 536.64 sq miles
Median Area: 521.00 sq miles
Major Cities of Massachusetts State and Their Locations
In Massachusetts State, most major cities are located along rivers or coastal regions. Below are examples of each type:
1. Coastal Cities
Boston: The largest city in Massachusetts, Boston is located on the eastern coast, historically a major port for trade and industry. Its location has made it the hub of the state's economy.
Salem: Another coastal city, Salem has historical significance, especially during the early colonial era.
2. River Cities
Springfield: Located on the banks of the Connecticut River, Springfield grew into a major industrial and transportation center.
Worcester: This inland city became a hub for manufacturing and education, owing to its river access and central location.
3. Historic Routes
Cambridge: Located near the Charles River, Cambridge is famous for its academic institutions like Harvard University and MIT, shaping the city's history and growth.
Lowell: Situated on the Merrimack River, Lowell played a central role in the American Industrial Revolution with its textile mills.
Topographic Tour of Massachusetts
Topographic Tour of Massachusetts
Massachusetts State offers a varied topography, from its coastal plains to rugged uplands. Here are the major topographic features:
1. Coastal Lowlands
The eastern edge of Massachusetts features low-lying areas along the Atlantic coast, including marshes, bays, and sand dunes, as seen in Cape Cod. These areas are characterized by their flat, sandy landscapes, which give way to forested uplands inland.
2. New England Upland
The central and western portions of Massachusetts include the New England Upland region, which consists of rolling hills and valleys. The highest peak, Mount Greylock, is part of the Taconic range in the western portion of the state.
3. Seaboard Lowland
The Seaboard Lowland lies just inland from the coastal regions and features gently rolling terrain with rivers, valleys, and small hills. This region is ideal for agriculture and early colonial settlement.
4. Taconic Mountains
Along the western border of Massachusetts are the Taconic Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range. These rugged, forested peaks are among the highest in the state and provide scenic vistas and popular hiking destinations.
5. Green Mountains
Located in the northwestern part of Massachusetts, the Green Mountains offer a mix of rugged terrain and forested areas. The southern extension of Vermont's Green Mountains, this range includes high peaks, valleys, and recreational areas.
Physiographic Regions of Massachusetts
Coastal Plain, Embayed
The Coastal Plain is found along the eastern edge of Massachusetts, encompassing areas like Cape Cod and the islands. This region is known for its sandy beaches, dunes, and estuaries. The embayed coast creates natural harbors and bays, which have historically supported fishing, trade, and tourism.
New England, Green Mountain
The Green Mountain region is part of the Appalachian chain, extending into Massachusetts. This region is characterized by high, rugged peaks and dense forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
New England, New England Upland
The New England Upland consists of rolling hills and valleys in central and western Massachusetts. The region includes fertile soils, rivers, and scenic landscapes. It supports agriculture and tourism and is home to several historical towns.
New England, Seaboard Lowland
The Seaboard Lowland is a gently rolling region lying inland from the coast. It is a transition zone between the coastal plain and the uplands, featuring low hills, fertile valleys, and agricultural land.
New England, Taconic
The Taconic Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian chain, form the western boundary of Massachusetts. These rugged mountains are among the state's most scenic regions, offering hiking, wildlife, and historical sites related to early colonial history.
Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Massachusetts
1. Cape Cod National Seashore
Established in 1961, the Cape Cod National Seashore protects over 40 miles of pristine coastline. Visitors enjoy swimming, hiking, and viewing the historic lighthouses that dot the shoreline. Its scenic beauty attracts millions of visitors annually.
2. Monomoy National Wilderness
Located on the Monomoy Islands off the coast of Cape Cod, the Monomoy National Wilderness protects vital habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. The area is known for its dunes, beaches, and salt marshes, and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching.
3. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
The Parker River NWR, located on Plum Island, provides critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife along the Atlantic Flyway. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, walking trails, and observing the beautiful marshland and beach ecosystems.
4. Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Oxbow NWR protects over 1,600 acres along the Nashua River in north-central Massachusetts. The refuge offers scenic walking trails, birdwatching, and opportunities for wildlife observation, with diverse ecosystems including wetlands, rivers, and forests.
5. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the heart of eastern Massachusetts, the Assabet River NWR preserves wetland and forested habitats that support various species of wildlife. It offers walking trails, wildlife observation, and fishing along the scenic Assabet River.
6. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Meadows NWR encompasses 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers, preserving a network of wetlands critical to migratory birds. The refuge is popular for birdwatching, nature walks, and canoeing, offering a serene experience in the middle of Massachusetts’ suburban area.
Ecoregions of Massachusetts
Green, Taconic, Berkshire Mountains Section
This ecoregion encompasses the mountainous areas in western Massachusetts. The region features dense forests and serves as a key area for recreation and conservation, including parts of the Appalachian Trail and wildlife preserves.
Lower New England Section
This section includes central Massachusetts and consists of rolling hills, valleys, and forested areas. It is known for its fertile land, used historically for agriculture, and today supports both farming and urban development.
New England Piedmont Section
The New England Piedmont encompasses much of central and western Massachusetts, where forests dominate the landscape. The rolling terrain is punctuated by rivers and lakes, supporting a range of wildlife and recreational activities.