Understanding Massachusetts’ Neighbors
Massachusetts is one of the six states that make up the New England region of the United States. It is a small state with an area of 10,555 square miles and a population of approximately 6.9 million people. The state is bordered by eight other states and one Canadian province. In this article, we will focus on the six states and one province that share land borders with Massachusetts.
Massachusetts’ Borders and Geography
Massachusetts is located in the northeastern part of the United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state’s western border runs along the Taconic Mountains and the eastern border follows the Atlantic coastline. The northern border of the state touches Canada while the southern border is shared with Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The First Neighbor: New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the first of Massachusetts’ neighbors to the north. The border between these two states is 86 miles long and runs along the Merrimack River. The two states have a shared history and cultural similarities, and they have worked together on regional issues such as transportation and environmental protection.
Vermont: The Northeastern Corner
To the northeast of Massachusetts is Vermont. The two states share a border that is approximately 40 miles long. The border follows the ridgeline of the Green Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Massachusetts and Vermont also share a number of historic ties, including the fact that Vermont was once claimed by Massachusetts as a territory.
Maine: The Eastern Edge
Maine is the easternmost state in the contiguous United States and shares a border with Massachusetts along its southern edge. The border between the two states runs for approximately 150 miles along the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic coast. The two states have a long history of economic and cultural ties, and many residents of southeastern Maine commute to jobs in Massachusetts.
Rhode Island: The Southern Border
Rhode Island is Massachusetts’ smallest neighbor and shares a border that is only 30 miles long along the eastern edge of the state. The two states have a shared history, including the fact that Rhode Island was once a part of Massachusetts. The border between the two states follows the Blackstone River and the Ten Mile River.
Connecticut: The Southwest Corner
Connecticut is located to the southwest of Massachusetts and shares a 90-mile border with the state. The two states have a shared history and economy, with many residents of southwestern Connecticut working in Massachusetts. The border between the two states follows the Connecticut River and the Housatonic River.
New York: The Western Neighbor
New York is Massachusetts’ western neighbor, sharing a border that is approximately 150 miles long. The border follows the Taconic Mountains and the Hudson River. The two states have a shared history, including the fact that the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts are an extension of the Catskill Mountains in New York.
Canada: The Northern Border
Massachusetts shares a 305-mile border with the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The border follows the Saint Lawrence River and the Richelieu River. The two regions have a long history of trade and cultural exchange, and the Quebecois influence can still be seen in parts of Massachusetts today.
Overview: Massachusetts’ Eight Neighbors
Massachusetts is bordered by eight other states and one Canadian province, each with their own unique history and culture. The state’s geography and location in the northeastern part of the country have contributed to its close ties with its neighbors.
Conclusion: Massachusetts’ Place in the Northeast
Massachusetts’ location in the northeastern part of the United States has shaped its history and culture, and its close ties with its neighbors have been a key part of its success. The state’s eight neighbors, each with their own distinct character, have helped to create a vibrant and diverse region.
Further Reading: Exploring the Northeast’s Borders
If you are interested in learning more about the borders of the northeastern United States, there are many resources available. The New England Historical Society and the New York State Museum both offer information on the history and culture of the region. Additionally, there are many books and articles available on this topic, including "The Northeast: A Cultural History" by Lauren Lipton, and "The Boundaries Between Us: Natives and Newcomers Along the Frontiers of the Old Northwest Territory, 1750-1850" by Daniel P. Barr.
