Mass Appeal - How Massachusetts Changed the Game

Massachusetts holds some of the oldest American history in the nation, being the birthplace of both the first highway and lighthouse in America, which continue to be maintained and visited today. Did you know that Massachusetts is also the birthplace of basketball? From its humble beginnings in Springfield, this game has grown into one of the most popular sports worldwide. Massachusetts isn't without its quirks—it boasts a lake with a 45-letter name, the longest of any geographical feature in the country! Join me as we discover more of the unique charms that make The Bay State special.

Old King's Highway - Massachusetts

173 Old King's Highway, Yarmouth Port, Mass.

Built between 1650 and 1735 to connect Charleston, South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts, the Old King's Highway is the oldest road in America. More commonly called Route 6A on Cape Cod, this road remains one of America's most iconic byways and the largest contiguous historic district. This 1,300-mile stretch not only showcases 400 years of architecture in historic sites, notable homes, churches, and shops, but also a range of terrain like cranberry bogs, salt marshes, preserved farmland, conservation areas and coastline.

In 2021, Old King's Highway was given National Scenic Byway Status, after receiving a number of awards from different sources. The National Geographic called it one of the World's Most Scenic Drives, while Yankee Magazine called it "iconic" and "timeless." Smithsonian Magazine claimed it was "the most appealing stretch of highway in America." In Massachusetts, "going for a drive" is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Boston Light - Boston, Massachusetts

After the birth of the first road, Massachusetts built the Boston Light, the first lighthouse in the nation in 1716. The structure was a circular rubblestone tower stretching 60 feet tall, using candles. A fog cannon was installed and used from 1719–1851, and in 1873, the candles were replaced with fish oil lamps. This persevering lighthouse has since earned National Historic Landmark status in 1964 and, in 1987, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

"To the merchants of Boston this view of the light house is most humbly presented by their humble servt. Wm. Burgis"

The lighthouse has survived against incredible odds. Throughout its history, it endured fires in 1720 and 1751, as well as a severe storm in 1723. Each time, it was rebuilt and strengthened, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Massachusetts people. The worst damage came during the Revolutionary War in 1775, when the British occupied the light and the Patriots burned parts of it in opposition. When the British finally abandoned the Boston Light, they blew it up. Massachusetts rebuilt it in 1783, this time with mortared rubblestone, and it stood 75 feet tall.

Over the last three hundred years, modern advancements took place. In 1811, a revolving mechanism was installed so the light would flash. The fog cannon was replaced with a wind-up bell in 1851. By 1859, the Boston Light had a second revolving Fresnel lens, and the tower was heightened, now standing at 89 feet. The lighthouse was finally electrified in 1948 and was going to be fully automated by 1989, but the US Senate mandated that the light must remain permanently manned. The Boston Light became the only still-functioning automated lighthouse with staff in 1998. Finally, in 2003, Sally Snowman became the first female and civilian keeper (as well as the last official lighthouse keeper) of the Boston Light, serving until 2023.

Birthplace of Basketball - Springfield, Massachusetts

James Naismith with a soccer ball and a basket.

History is notable when it comes to physical places you can visit, but what about the birth of a worldwide cultural movement? In 1891, physical education instructor James Naismith wrote the first 13 rules of basketball and introduced the game to a class of 18 young men at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The first game used a soccer ball and a peach basket attached to a balcony 10 feet above the floor. Though only one basket was scored in this "slow-moving" inaugural game, basketball quickly gained popularity, spreading to France, China, India, and beyond within just two years.

An illustration of a basketball game that accompanied Naismith's article from The Triangle in 1892 listing his 13 rules.

As it spread across the country, basketball also spread to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where the first women's basketball game was held. This game was led by Senda Berenson, who also adapted the rules for women. Within the next decade, rules evolved and the game's popularity continued to spread. Today, the NBA broadcasts in 215 countries in 49 languages and is played by over 450 million people around the world. Despite its humble beginnings, Massachusetts is home to a sport whose impact extends beyond athletics into entertainment, business, fashion, language, and more.

Lake Chaubunagungamaug - Webster, Massachusetts

Chaubunagungamaug lake name banner on entering

Massachusetts is known for the things that make it stand apart from any other state in the nation, and that includes this famous lake. Stop by and grab a postcard from Webster Lake, though it might read, "Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg." That's right: this lake is famous for having the longest name of any geographical feature in the US, and it's sitting in Webster, Massachusetts.

This incredibly long name is said to have originated from the Algonquian language of the Nipmuc. Though one translation claims it means, "Fishing place at the Boundaries—Neutral Meeting Grounds," local lore prefers to share a different translation: "You fish on your side; we fish on our side; nobody fish in the middle." However, if you say, "Webster Lake," the locals will know where you mean, even if they proudly correct you with the name, "Lake Char­gogg­a­gogg­man­chaugg­a­gogg­chau­bun­a­gung­a­maugg" or its shortened version, "Lake Chaubunagungamaug."

By H C Branch - Postcard in private collection.

Whether you're taking in the beauty along the nation's first road, marveling at centuries of history at the Boston Light, exploring the Basketball Hall of Fame in the birthplace of Springfield, or just want to hear how the locals pronounce the longest name in America, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that marked the way!