[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE TOWN OF ROCKLAND'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2024

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Town of 
Rockland as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  Originally part of the neighboring Town of Abington, Rockland was 
first settled by the Europeans in 1673. Before the settlers came to 
Massachusetts, the region that would later be known as Old Abington was 
first named Manamooskeagin by Native Americans local to Southeastern 
Massachusetts.
  The Town of Rockland was incorporated on March 9, 1874, after 
separating from the Town of Abington. Rockland got its name from the 
area's rocky geography that would later be critical to the town's 
growing industry and economy. Rockland's topography made it less 
conducive for farming but ideal for mills and manufacturing. Early in 
the town's history, Rockland was a major lumber producer for local 
shipyards along the North River. Later, during the Civil War, Rockland 
saw an economic boom due to the town's growing shoe industry. 
Rockland's shoe production reached its peak in 1865, when 2,800 men and 
women were working to produce millions of dollars' worth of shoes. It 
is believed that Rockland's factories provided shoes for half of the 
Union Army during the Civil War.
  Known for its strong manufacturing history as well as its extensive 
involvement in lumber and sawmills, Rockland continued to experience 
industrial development through the 1900s, but production declined 
during the Great Depression. However, Rockland saw significant growth 
following World War II, and the town's population nearly doubled 
throughout the 1950s.
  Today, Rockland is home to nearly 18,000 residents as well as the 
Rockland Trust Company, one of the 100 largest banks in the U.S. 
Although the former mills and industrial buildings are no longer used 
for manufacturing, they have found a new purpose. The vacant buildings 
have been revitalized by a growing community of artists in Rockland and 
the buildings now serve as a meeting place and creative space for local 
artists to come together.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 
Town of Rockland, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging 
the important role that the Town of Rockland has played in our 
country's history and wishing the town and its residents the best of 
luck in the years to come.

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