Massachusetts (MA) Nickname: Bay State, Old Colony Capital: Boston Motto: By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty Flower: Mayflower Bird: Black-capped Chickadee Tree: American Elm Massachusetts State Insect: Lady Bug Song: All Hail to Massachusetts Entered Union: February 6, 1788 Rank: 6 The 50 State Quarters Program Release Date: January 3, 2000 Official Website of Massachusetts