Massachusetts definitely knows how to lead the pack. Check out all of these Massachusetts firsts! Our state did the following 11 things before any other state in the nation. How incredible is that?

1. The first free American public school, the Mather school, was founded in Dorchester in 1639. That's why we're wicked smaht. This is definitely one of the most influential things Massachusetts did first.
Wikimedia Commons/Photograph published in The annual report of the Schoolhouse Department from Februrary 1, 1905, to February 1, 1906. Boston, 1906.
2. The first regularly issued American newspaper, The Boston News-Letter, was published in Boston in 1704. It was heavily subsidized by the British government, with a limited circulation and all copy being approved by the governor.
Wikimedia Commons
3. In 1716 the first American lighthouse was built in Boston Harbor. Boston Light is located on Little Brewster Island.
Wikimedia Commons/MBTafan2011
4. The first American novel, William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy, was published in Worcester in 1789.
Wikimedia Commons
5. Rubber was first vulcanized in 1839 by Charles Goodyear in Woburn.
Wikimedia Commons/Levdr1lostpassword

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6. In 1845, the first sewing machine was made by Elias Howe in Boston. That fellow was a Stone. Cold. Fox.
Wikimedia Commons
7. The first American Christmas card was printed by Louis Prang in Boston in 1875. His early cards featured simple drawings of flowers.
Christmas card, L. Prang and Co., 1876. PR 31, Bella C. Landauer Collection
8. In 1891, the first basketball game was played in Springfield. The first game was the result of Dr. James Naismith's attempt to create a game that could be played indoors between the football and baseball seasons. That's him in the suit.
The National Archives Unwritten Record Blog
9. Boston Common became the first public park in America in 1634. The Common has been used as grazing land for cows, a campground for American Revolutionary soldiers, and as the site of hangings for witchcraft.
Wikimedia Commons
10. In 1892, the first successful gasoline-powered automobile was perfected by Charles and Frank Duryea in Springfield. It looks like a pretty slick ride.
Wikimedia Commons
11. In 1928, the first computer, a non-electronic "differential analyzer," was developed by Dr. Vannevar Bush of M.I.T. in Cambridge. Six integrators and several input and output tables had to be meticulously connected to produce the solution to each new problem. Of all of the Massachusetts inventions, this one likely had the most overarching effect on the world.
Wikimedia Commons/University of Cambridge - http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/Relics/archive_photos.html

Massachusetts is a leader in so many ways. How many of these Massachusetts firsts were you aware of? Are there any other Massachusetts inventions or things Massachusetts did first that we missed? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to discover some more things from MA that prove we’re a creative and innovative bunch.

You can also nominate your favorite Massachusetts fun facts, attractions, or places of business on our nomination page for the chance to see your suggestion(s) featured in an upcoming article!

As if we haven’t given you enough reasons to fall in love with Massachusetts all over again, just wait until you discover the charming small town of Wellfleet. As you’ll see in this video by us at OnlyInYourState, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway:

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More to Explore

Reasons To Love Massachusetts & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | June 06, 2023

What are the best small towns in Massachusetts?

Some of the best small towns in Massachusetts to visit include:

This charming small town inspired a 2016 drama, also called Manchester By The Sea, about an uncle and nephew coming together after hard times. The town is also home to a beach that makes a musical sound when you walk on it!

Home to the oldest agricultural fair in the country, Topsfield features a number of lush, beautiful parks. I could definitely see myself living here.

With a history that dates back to the mid-1600s, Nantucket is a coastal Massachusetts gem that attracts visitors from all over the country.

What unique words and phrases do people in Massachusetts say?

One of the coolest things about Massachusetts is that we basically have our own language. A few of the most iconic Massachusetts sayings are:

  • "Where’s the bubbler?"

For the uninitiated, "bubbler" means "water fountain."

  • "One coffee regular, please."

While coffee certainly isn't unique to the Bay State, we do guzzle the stuff more than people do almost anywhere else in the nation. For this reason, you can simply order a "coffee regular" at a Massachusetts restaurant and they'll know what you're talking about - although the exact recipe does vary across the state.

  • "I’m headed down the Cape."

There is only one Cape, and real Bay Staters know this.

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