The Town of Rockland is located approximately 20 miles south of Boston directly off of Route 3, the main route between Boston and Cape Cod. The town has expereienced significant growth in the last 20 years, both in business and population. The current population exceeds 17,000 indivuduals. Rockand was settled in the late 17th century but its rocky soil was ill suited for farming and the area did not come of age until the industrial revolution. The town was best known for its shoe factories, once numbering more than 10. The last of rockland's factories, E.T. Wright, closed in 1980. In recent years, the town has been expanding its tax base with the creation of several office and industrial parks. Rockland has direct highway access and offers municipal water and sewer systems. The town's location between Boston and Cape Cod makes it an excellent place to situate a business. Originally part of Abington, North Abington (Rockland) and South Abington (Whitman) seperated from the main town over a school funding dispute. Rockland was incorpated as a seperate town oon March 9, 1874. Rockland is governed by Town Meeting. It is administered by a five member Board of Selectman and an appointed Town Administrator. The town prides itself on its excellent school system, diverse public services and community commitment to service. |