Massachusetts was the first settlement of the initial Europeans who came to New England. The first battles of the American Revolution were fought here, and a strong spirit of patriotism and freedom is felt in the culture of the state. Massachusetts has one of the nation’s highest populations of communities with Irish, French and Italian ancestries. The Yankees also maintain a significant presence.

The capital city is a vibrant and bubbling pot of culture and history. The Faneuil Hall is a historic marketplace built in the eighteenth century. The olden town of Lexington is noted for its Paul Revere journey, while the town of Salem has the unusual Salem Witch Museum.  Plimoth Plantation offers a look into life in the early settlement, and also has a full-scale replica of the Mayflower vessel. The Pilgrim Hall Museum is America’s oldest public museum, while the Pilgrim Monument is the tallest granite monument in the country.

The hundred-year old Boston Marathon is the world’s most prestigious race and takes place in mid-April. Also of importance are the Boston Film Festival (held every September) and the Boston Wine Expo in February. At Salem, the Festival of the Dead and the Salem CultureFest can be a refreshing break from routine sightseeing.