The Origins of the Massachusetts Name

Massachusetts is named after a local Native American tribe, not a colonial explorer. The name refers to the Massachusett people who lived near the Great Blue Hill in the region of modern day Boston.

Long before European settlers arrived on the Mayflower, the Massachusett tribe thrived in the area. Their name translates roughly to at the great hill, describing the prominent landscape near the coast. While the Pilgrims later established the famous Plymouth Colony, they were just one small part of a vast indigenous history. It is a fascinating reminder that the names we use for our states often carry ancient stories from the people who were there first.