1. In 1973, Governor Francis Sargent signed the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, which has since protected many native species from the threat of extinction.
2. On July 31, 1904, Boston Red Sox player Cy Young pitched his 300th win, becoming the first pitcher in baseball history to achieve this milestone.
3. The Boston Tea Party Ship Museum, a popular tourist attraction located in Boston Harbor, opened to the public on July 31, 1998.
4. The Massachusetts State House, a historic building that has served as the state's government headquarters since 1798, was first occupied by state officials on July 31 of that year.
5. In 1987, John J. Moakley, a Massachusetts congressman who served the state for 28 years, introduced legislation that would establish the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission. This commission has helped to preserve the natural beauty of the region for future generations to enjoy.