Massachusetts

This state may be small on the map, but looms remarkably large in American culture. The philosophy and planning that led to the American Revolution was plotted in part in the state's churches, meeting halls, and taverns. The opening battle, the "shot heard around the world", was fought on its soil. The state had the first university in the United States, and is now home to hundreds of colleges. It gave birth to the first native literary movement. The first basketball game was played here too. Beyond that deep history, this state features popular beaches, hundreds of cultural festivals, and incredible scenery. Every fall, it becomes covered in foliage so beautiful it must be seen to believe.