Maybe a stupid question: can anyone tell me why the state is called the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? Eliane Heseltine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Eliane: Here is what my Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1989 pg 297 says: The official designation (rather than "state") of four States of the US: KY, MA, PA, VA. A self-governing territory associated with the US: official designation of Puerto Rico. Commonwealth meaning any group of persons united by some common interest. Regards, Alison Franks Archivist, Rawson Family Association --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.393 / Virus Database: 223 - Release Date: 9/30/2002