Geo Facts New England

Welcome to the Geotoys State Facts page for our New England GeoPuzzle.

Here we’ll explore: 

  • State Capitals
  • State birds and flowers (you’ll see them on your map)
  • Animals and plants that live in the state
  • National Parks Services locations within the state
  • AND share information on “easter eggs” you may have spotted as you pieced your map together. 

 

Let’s go!

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Maine

Capital: Augusta

Augusta, located along the Kennebec River, has been Maine's capital since 1827

State Flower: White Pine Cone and Tassel

Maine's state flower, adopted in 1895, is the White Pine Cone and Tassel (Pinus strobus). This choice reflects the significance of the white pine tree to Maine's history and economy, as it is also the state tree.

Plants and Animals

The state is heavily forested, with dominant species including white pine, spruce, fir, sugar maple, yellow birch, aspen, and paper birch. 

Maine is home to mammals such as moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, lynx, hares, raccoons, coyotes, porcupines, fishers, and bobcats. Bird species are abundant, including songbirds, lake birds, and seabirds.

NPS Locations

Easter egg: Guardians of the Seeds

The Guardians of the Seeds at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are striking, larger-than-life wooden sculptures created by artist Thomas Dambo. These whimsical "trolls" are made from recycled materials and are scattered throughout the gardens, symbolizing the importance of protecting nature and preserving seeds for future generations.

Bonus Fact: Did you know there are 65 lighthouses all along Maine's coast, inlets, and islands?

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New Hampshire

Capital: Concord

Concord, located along the Merrimack River, has been the capital of New Hampshire since 1808

State Bird: Purple Finch

The Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) was designated as New Hampshire's state bird in 1957. They are small songbirds with males displaying a raspberry-red coloration on the head and chest, while females are brown with streaks. They are known for their rich, melodious songs.

State Flower: Purple Lilac

New Hampshire's state flower, adapted in 1919, is the Purple Lilac (Syringa vulgaris). It's known for its fragrant, purple blossoms that bloom in late spring, and was chosen to symbolise the hardy character of the state's people.

Plants and Animals

The state is heavily forested with species such as elm, maple, beech, oak, pine, hemlock, and fir trees. Mount Washington hosts rare alpine plants like Greenland sandwort, Labrador tea, alpine bearberry, dwarf cinquefoil, and dwarf birch.

New Hampshire is home to white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, bobcats, and snowshoe hares. Species such as the red-spotted newt, American toad, and various turtle species inhabit the state. Birds include species like the red-tailed hawk and the common loon.

NPS Locations

Easter egg: Mount Washington

Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. at 6,288 feet, is renowned for its extreme weather and breathtaking views. Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, it’s a hub for outdoor adventurers, offering hiking, skiing, and the iconic Mount Washington Auto Road and Cog Railway.

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Vermont

Capital: Montpelier

Montpelier, located in central Vermont, is the smallest state capital in the United States by population. It was established in 1805

State Bird: Hermit Thrush

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) is a medium-sized songbird known for its melodious and flute-like song. It has a brownish upper body with a reddish tail and a spotted breast. This bird is commonly found in Vermont's forests and is celebrated for its enchanting vocalizations.

State Flower: Red Clover

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is known for distinctive pinkish-red, rounded flower heads. It is commonly found in meadows and fields throughout Vermont and is valued for its role in agriculture as a nitrogen fixer, improving soil fertility. It was adapted as Vermont's State Flower in 1895.

Plants and Animals

Approximately 78% of Vermont is forested, with dominant species including sugar maple (the state tree), yellow birch, beech, and various conifers such as hemlock and white pine. The state hosts a variety of wildflowers, including trilliums, lady's slippers, and asters, which bloom in different seasons, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.

Vermont is home to species such as white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, red foxes, and bobcats. The state's forests and wetlands provide habitats for these and many other mammals.  Beyond the Hermit Thrush, Vermont hosts a variety of bird species, including the common loon, barred owl, and various warblers, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The state also supports populations of reptiles and amphibians such as the painted turtle, northern leopard frog, and eastern newt, which are commonly found in Vermont's wetlands and forests.

NPS Locations

Easter egg: Bennington Battle Monument

The Bennington Battle Monument, located in Bennington, Vermont, commemorates the 1777 Battle of Bennington, a pivotal American victory during the Revolutionary War. Standing 306 feet tall, it is the tallest structure in Vermont and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside from its observation deck. This granite obelisk marks the site near where American forces defeated British troops, contributing significantly to the eventual victory at Saratoga.

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Massachusetts

Capital: Boston 

Boston, established in 1630, is one of the oldest cities in the United States and serves as the capital of Massachusetts.

State Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small, nonmigratory songbird characterized by its black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call. It is commonly found in Massachusetts' forests and residential areas. The Black-Capped Chickadee was designated as the state bird of Massachusetts in 1941.

State Flower: Mayflower

The Mayflower (Epigaea repens), also known as Trailing-Arbutus, is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with fragrant pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring. It is native to the eastern United States and holds historical significance as it shares its name with the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America. The Mayflower was adopted as the state flower of Massachusetts in 1918.

Plants and Animals

Massachusetts is predominantly forested, with common tree species including maple, birch, beech, oak, pine, hemlock, and larch. Various wildflowers such as the Maryland meadow beauty, false loosestrife, and several varieties of orchid, lily, goldenrod, and aster are found throughout the state.

Common mammals include white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, red foxes, and bobcats. The state's forests and wetlands provide habitats for these and many other mammals. Massachusetts hosts a variety of bird species, including the state bird, the Black-Capped Chickadee, as well as species like the red-tailed hawk, common loon, and various warblers. Reptiles and amphibians such as the red-spotted newt, American toad, and various turtle species inhabit the state.

NPS Locations

Easter Eggs: Brant Point Lighthouse & Paul Revere Statue

The Brant Point Lighthouse, located on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States, originally established in 1746. Standing just 26 feet tall, it is one of the shortest lighthouses in the country, yet its charm and scenic location make it a favorite for visitors. It continues to guide mariners into Nantucket Harbor and is a popular spot for photos, especially during the island's famous Daffodil Festival.

The Paul Revere Statue in Boston, located in the historic North End near the Old North Church, is a bronze sculpture depicting Revere on horseback during his famous midnight ride. Created by sculptor Cyrus Edwin Dallin in 1885, it captures the revolutionary hero's determination and patriotism. Set against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings, it’s a popular stop along the Freedom Trail.

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Connecticut

Capital: Hartford

Hartford, located along the Connecticut River, has been the capital of Connecticut since 1875.

State Bird: The American Robin

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird known for its reddish-orange breast and melodious song. It is commonly found across Connecticut, especially during the spring and summer months. The American Robin was designated as Connecticut's state bird in 1943.

State Flower: Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States, including Connecticut. It is renowned for its beautiful clusters of pink and white flowers that bloom in late spring. The plant thrives in the state's woodlands and is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal. Mountain Laurel was designated as Connecticut's state flower in 1907.

Plants and Animals

Connecticut is predominantly forested, with common tree species including oak, maple, hickory, and birch. These forests provide critical habitats for numerous wildlife species. The state also hosts a variety of wildflowers, such as the Connecticut Rose, which is a hybrid of the Rosa rugosa and Rosa palustris species. Other notable wildflowers include the pink lady's slipper and the New England aster.

Common mammals include white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, and red foxes. The state's forests and wetlands provide habitats for these and many other mammals. Connecticut is home to a variety of bird species, including the state bird, the American Robin, as well as species like the red-tailed hawk, common loon, and various warblers. Reptiles and amphibians such as the eastern box turtle, northern leopard frog, and red-spotted newt inhabit the state.

NPS Locations


Easter egg: Mark Twain’s birthplace

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, lived in Hartford, Connecticut, where he wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. His beautifully restored Mark Twain House and Museum, built in 1874, is a National Historic Landmark and showcases his life, work, and Victorian-era style. Visitors can explore the house and learn about Twain's impact on American literature and culture.

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Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Providence, founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, is the capital of Rhode Island.

State Bird: Rhode Island Red

The Rhode Island Red (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a breed of domestic chicken known for its hardiness and high egg production. It has a distinctive deep red plumage and is celebrated for its role in the state's agricultural history. The Rhode Island Red was designated as the state in 1954.

State Flower: Violet

The common blue violet (Viola sororia) is a perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and purple-blue flowers. It is native to Rhode Island and blooms in the spring, often found in woodlands and meadows. The violet was adopted as the state flower in 1968.

Plants and Animals

Rhode Island is predominantly forested, with common tree species including oak, maple, beech, and pine. These forests provide critical habitats for numerous wildlife species. Rhode Island hosts a variety of wildflowers, such as the common blue violet, lady's slipper orchids, and various species of goldenrod and aster.

Common species of mammals include white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, and eastern cottontail rabbits. Rhode Island is home to a variety of bird species, including the Rhode Island Red, as well as species like the red-tailed hawk, osprey, and various songbirds. The state’s reptiles and amphibians include the eastern box turtle, northern leopard frog, and red-spotted newt.

NPS Locations

Easter egg: deep dive, The Rhode Island State Flag

The Rhode Island state flag features a white field with 13 gold stars arranged in a circle, symbolizing the original 13 colonies and Rhode Island’s status as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution. At the center is a gold anchor, representing hope, which has been a symbol of the state since 1644. Below the anchor is a blue ribbon with the word "Hope," reflecting Rhode Island's official motto.

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