History of Brockton
Brockton is located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts and has a Mayor-Council form of government.The city prides itself on its diversity of cultures, and is home to approximately 100,000 residents.
Present day Brockton was first settled in the 17thcentury and was originally known as North Bridgewater – a geographic area that is today comprised of the communities of Brockton, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, and Bridgewater. Brockton became a city in 1881.
Farms gave way to factories, and Brockton became an epicenter of the shoe and textile industries, earning the name “Shoe City.” At the dawn of the 20thcentury, the city had a population of 40,000; and more than 6,000 people were employed in over 100 separate shoe manufacturing entities.
Welcome Video
A Bright Future Through Education
Named one of the Best Communities for Young People three times (2010, 2008, and 2005), Brockton is home toan award-winning public school system.
Brockton High School, the largest high school in New England and one of the biggest in the nation, has more than 4,200 and has twice been named one of America’s Best High School’s byU.S. News & World Report. The City has also been home toMassasoit Community Collegefor more than 40 years.
In addition to Massasoit Community College, Brockton is also located near two four-year institutes of higher education institutions.Bridgewater State Universityis located 10 miles from the city, and has over 90 undergraduate and graduate courses of study.
Stonehill College, located in nearby Easton,hasover 2,300 students enrolled in more than 80 rigorous academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields.
Destination for Culture
Brocktonalso has a growing commercial base. In addition to convenient shopping destinations like Westgate Mall, there are also a variety of restaurants and eateries that offer a culinary tour of the world without straying too far from home. The Brockton Brightfields, located at East Union and Grove streets, is also one of the largest solar arrays in New England.
There are also a wealth of cultural and recreation opportunities in the city —from golf courses and open spaces to museums. TheFuller Craft Museum, located on Oak Street, is billed as New England's only home for contemporary craft.
TheBrockton Historical Societyalso operates a complex of museums along Route 27. The trio of sites is each dedicated to a separate facet of the city’s long history – the shoe industry, fire fighting, and an early homestead.
TheBrockton Symphony Orchestraentertains audiences throughout the city all year long.
TheBrockton Public Libraryoffers a variety of programs and services for residents of all ages. (ViewBrockton Public Library's historical photos).
TheBrockton Cultural Councilfunds locally based arts, culture, and interpretive science organizations who collaborate with one another or other local organizations.
City of Champions
Dubbed the City of Champions for its rich sports history, Brockton was the hometown of boxing greats Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.
Today, Campanelli Stadium, located on Feinberg Way, is home to theBrockton Rox. The team competes in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. The adjacentShaw’s Centeris also ideal for functions and corporate events.
Top
