📍 Location & Geography
Brockton is a city located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. It is positioned in the southeastern part of the state, about 25 miles south of Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts. The city covers a total area of 21.6 square miles, of which 21.5 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. Brockton is bordered by Stoughton to the north, Avon to the northwest, Easton to the northeast, West Bridgewater to the southeast, East Bridgewater to the south, and Whitman to the southwest.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Brockton are approximately 42.0834 degrees north latitude and 71.0189 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Brockton is part of the Greater Boston region, which is the most populous metropolitan area in New England. It is the seventh largest city in the state of Massachusetts by land area. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Campello, Montello, the City Center, and the West Side.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Brockton had a population of approximately 105,000 people, making it the sixth most populous city in Massachusetts. The city has a diverse population, with a significant number of residents identifying as African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Cape Verdean. The median age in the city is around 35 years.
🏛️ History
Brockton was first settled in 1700 as a part of the town of Bridgewater, before it was incorporated as a separate town named North Bridgewater in 1821. In 1874, it was renamed Brockton and incorporated as a city. Brockton became famous as the shoe manufacturing capital of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, earning it the nickname “Shoe City”.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Brockton is home to several parks and recreation areas, including the 756-acre D.W. Field Park, which offers walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a golf course. The city also has a number of smaller community parks scattered throughout its neighborhoods. Brockton is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting recycling.
🏫 Education
Brockton Public Schools is the city’s public school district, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and Brockton High School, one of the largest high schools in the northeast. The city is also home to Massasoit Community College, offering a range of associate degree and certificate programs.
🚧 Transportation
Brockton is served by the Brockton Area Transit Authority (BAT), which provides local bus services. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates a commuter rail service from Brockton to Boston. Major highways running through the city include Route 24, Route 27, and Route 123. The city is also close to Logan International Airport in Boston for air travel.
📜 Trivia & Events
Brockton is known for its annual Brockton Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the United States. The city is also home to the Brockton Rox, a professional baseball team in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. In addition, Brockton is the birthplace of boxing champions Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler, earning it another nickname, “City of Champions”.