📍 Location & Geography
Rowley is a charming town located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 32 miles north of Boston. The town is bordered by Ipswich to the south, Boxford to the west, and Georgetown and Newbury to the north. Rowley is known for its beautiful landscapes, featuring a blend of rolling hills, flat plains, and marshlands. The town covers a total area of 20.3 square miles, of which 18.2 square miles is land and 2.2 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Rowley, Massachusetts are approximately 42.7167° N latitude and 70.8833° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rowley is part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, which is known for its historic towns and beautiful beaches. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. Rowley’s total area is 20.3 square miles, making it a small but significant part of Essex County.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Rowley had a population of approximately 6,285 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, accounting for about 97% of the population, with the remaining 3% comprising of various other races.
🏛️ History
Rowley was first settled in 1639 by Reverend Ezekiel Rogers, who led a group of approximately 20 families from Yorkshire, England. The town was officially incorporated in 1639, making it one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. Rowley played a significant role in the early American textile industry, with the first fulling mill in the colonies established here in 1643. The town is also known for its historic architecture, with numerous buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rowley is home to a diverse range of natural environments, from marshlands to forests. The town is intersected by the Rowley River, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The Mill River also runs through the town, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Rowley is also home to parts of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Bay Circuit Trail, providing ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
🏫 Education
Education in Rowley is managed by the Triton Regional School District, which also serves the neighboring towns of Newbury and Salisbury. The town has one elementary school, Pine Grove, for students from kindergarten through grade six. Students in grades seven through twelve attend Triton Regional Middle School and Triton Regional High School, located in the neighboring town of Byfield.
🚧 Transportation
Rowley is served by Massachusetts Route 1 and Interstate 95, providing easy access to Boston and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Rowley station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail, providing direct rail service to Boston’s North Station. Additionally, the town has several local bus services.
📜 Trivia & Events
Rowley is known for its annual town-wide yard sale, which is a popular event attracting visitors from all over the region. The town is also home to the Rowley Historical Society, which hosts events and exhibits showcasing the town’s rich history. One notable trivia about Rowley is that it was the birthplace of the American wool industry, with the first fulling mill established here in the 17th century.