1. In 1774, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia. Massachusetts sent five delegates, including Samuel Adams and John Adams, who played important roles in advocating for colonial rights and independence from Britain.

2. In 1864, the Battle of Saltville took place in Saltville, Virginia during the American Civil War. Several Massachusetts regiments fought in the battle, which was a Union victory that helped disrupt Confederate supply lines.

3. In 1919, Boston police officers went on strike, sparking a two-day conflict known as the Boston Police Strike. Governor Calvin Coolidge sent in National Guard troops to restore order, and his handling of the situation helped launch his political career.

4. In 1985, Massachusetts senator Paul Tsongas announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president. Tsongas, who had previously served in the House of Representatives, made economic issues and environmentalism the centerpieces of his campaign.

5. In 1999, Boston-based company Biogen announced that it had successfully tested a new drug for multiple sclerosis. The drug, known as Avonex, went on to become a major success in the pharmaceutical industry and helped improve the lives of many MS patients.