1. In 1783, Massachusetts became the first state to abolish slavery with the passage of the Massachusetts Gradual Abolition Act. The law provided that all slaves born after the law's passage in 1783 would be free at the age of 25.

2. In 1868, Massachusetts Republican Senator Charles Sumner introduced a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. This came after Johnson repeatedly clashed with the Republican-controlled Congress over Reconstruction policies following the Civil War.

3. In 1962, the Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 142-110 at the Boston Garden, marking the highest-scoring game in NBA history to that point. Celtics legend Bill Russell led the way with 30 points and 38 rebounds.

4. In 2003, a historic blizzard hit Massachusetts, dumping over two feet of snow in some areas and causing widespread power outages. The storm prompted Governor Mitt Romney to declare a state of emergency and issue a travel ban throughout the state.

5. In 2011, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to require health insurance coverage for all residents. The landmark law, signed by Governor Deval Patrick in 2006, served as a model for the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress in 2010.