1. In 1701, the Massachusetts General Court passed a law banning the use of tobacco in all public places, including streets, taverns, and private homes. This was one of the earliest anti-smoking laws in colonial America.

2. On May 23, 1783, a group of soldiers in Massachusetts rebelled against the government and laid siege to the state arsenal in Springfield. The rebellion, known as Shays' Rebellion, was caused by farmers' grievances over high taxes and debt. The state militia was eventually called in to put down the rebellion.

3. In 1861, Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner was brutally assaulted on the floor of the U.S. Senate by Representative Preston Brooks of South Carolina. The attack was in retaliation for Sumner's fierce criticisms of slavery and Southern politicians. Sumner suffered extensive injuries and was absent from the Senate for three years.

4. On May 23, 1901, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) held its first graduation ceremony, conferring degrees on 14 students. MIT had previously been known as the Boston Tech, and was renamed to reflect its focus on technological research and education.

5. In 2000, the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 5-4 in a thrilling extra-innings game at Fenway Park. The game featured a dramatic home run by Red Sox player Manny Ramirez to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. The win snapped the Mariners' 15-game winning streak and helped the Red Sox on their way to a playoff berth.