On a white field is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, Massachuset. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward representing peace. The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original thirteen states. Around the shield is a blue ribbon with the motto: "By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty". Above the shield is a arm and sword, representing the first part of the motto. Flag adopted 1915, amended 1971.

Population, 2006 estimate 6,437,193, White persons 86.7%, Black persons 6.9%, American Indian and Alaska Native persons 0.3%, Asian persons 4.7%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.1%, Persons reporting two or more races 1.3%, Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin 7.9%.