Brockton, Massachusetts

Brockton is a city located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 94,304. The city and Plymouth are the county seats of Plymouth County{{GR|6}}. Brockton is the 6th largest city in Massachusetts and claims to be the "City of Champions", mainly due to the success of native boxers Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler.

History

In 1649, Indians sold the land to settlers. Brockton was part of Bridgewater until 1821. It was incorporated in 1881. During the American Civil War, Brockton was America's largest producer of shoes, and until the latter parts of the 20th century Brockton had a large shoe and leather products industry.

Related Topics:
1649 - Bridgewater - 1821 - 1881 - American Civil War

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Sacco and Vanzetti were arrested in Brockton in 1920.

Related Topics:
Sacco and Vanzetti - 1920

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Recent Trends

Brockton is currently in the midst a major resurgence. It is rapidly becoming a top place to live. Situated right in the middle of Boston, Cape Cod, and Providence, and only a few hours drive from New York City, Brockton has a great natural balance as a city with close community and a city closely connected to civilization. With the current prevalence of broadband internet access, Brockton is now as connected as anyplace else. It has tens of millions of dollars in new construction projects. Recently, the Westgate Mall has been completely transformed and a new $35 million dollar courthouse opened. A very fan-friendly and successful minor league baseball team, the Brockton Rox, began playing in a new $15 million stadium and conference center.

Related Topics:
Boston - Cape Cod - Providence - New York City - Broadband internet access - Brockton Rox

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The Public Library System, which has three branches, finished millions of dollars in renovation and expansion of its central branch. Brockton's small but convenient downtown is rapidly improving, and the new MBTA commuter rail link to Boston has made it more convenient to travel to the state's capital. Money Magazine recently ranked Brockton as the #2 American City in which to live.

Related Topics:
MBTA - Boston - Money Magazine

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Historical Firsts

Brockton has claim to three "Firsts" in the world, and two in the country. On October 1, 1883, Brockton became the first place in the world to have a three wire underground electrical system when Thomas Edison threw a switch to activate it. For the other two firsts for electricity, Brockton was home to the first theater in world to be tied into the three wire electrical system. The City Theater opened on October 24, 1894. On December 30, 1884, the first electrically operated fire station in the United States opened in Brockton.

Related Topics:
October 1 - 1883 - Thomas Edison - October 24 - 1894 - December 30 - 1884

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In addition, the department store Santa Claus, now a main-stay of the Christmas season everywhere, appeared in Brockton in December 1890, when James Edgar, of Edgar's Department Store, suited up for the first time.

Related Topics:
Santa Claus - 1890

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Also of some note, Brockton became the first city in the country to abolish grade crossings in 1896.

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