📍 Location & Geography
Rockport is a charming coastal town located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is positioned on the Cape Ann peninsula and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. The town is known for its scenic beauty, featuring rocky beaches, seaside cliffs, and historic architecture. It covers a total area of 17.5 square miles, of which 7.0 square miles is land and 10.5 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Rockport, Massachusetts are approximately 42.6556° N latitude and 70.6208° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rockport is part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, which is known for its rich history, numerous beaches, and vibrant art scene. The town is bordered by Gloucester to its west and the Atlantic Ocean to its north, east, and south.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Rockport has a population of approximately 7,220 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 49.6 years. The population is predominantly White, comprising about 97.6% of the total, followed by Asian (0.9%), Hispanic (0.7%), and African American (0.2%).
🏛️ History
Rockport was initially inhabited by the Agawam Indians. It was first settled by Europeans in 1630 as part of Gloucester. The town was primarily used for timber and shipbuilding. In 1840, Rockport separated from Gloucester and was officially incorporated as its own town. During the 19th century, Rockport became a popular destination for artists, leading to the establishment of a vibrant art community that still thrives today.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rockport boasts a stunning natural environment with its rocky beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The town is home to Halibut Point State Park, a nature reserve known for its scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features a granite quarry where visitors can learn about the town’s historic granite industry. Rockport is also part of the Important Bird Area (IBA), making it a popular location for bird watching.
🏫 Education
Rockport Public Schools oversees the education in the town, which includes an elementary school, middle school, and high school. Rockport also hosts a number of private educational institutions. For higher education, residents have access to numerous colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area.
🚧 Transportation
Rockport is served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with a commuter rail station on its Rockport/Newburyport Line, providing direct access to Boston’s North Station. The town is also accessible via Route 127, which runs through the center of Rockport. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Boston Logan International Airport, which is approximately 40 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Rockport is famous for its “Motif Number 1,” a red fishing shack often cited as the most-painted building in America. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Rockport Art Association’s Art Auction, the Rockport New Year’s Eve celebration, and the Rockport HarvestFest. Additionally, the town was used as a filming location for the 2018 film “The Proposal”.