Georgetown , first settled in 1638/9 was originally part of the town of Rowley, founded by the Reverend Ezekial Rogers and the twenty families who accompanied him from Rowley, Yorkshire, England. Chosen from a largely unsettled area between Newbury and Ipswich, the grant comprised what is today Rowley and Georgetown, as well as portions of Boxford, Byfield, Groveland, and Bradford. In 1639 the township was officially named Rowley, and by then consisted of 60 families. The first fulling mill in the country was built there in 1643 by John Pearson, and the area settlers are reputed to have been the first in this new country to weave cloth.

In 1666/7 some 3,000 acres in the western section of the township were set aside as village land, land which was already being used for the grazing of cattle. (Pen Brook was so named because of its proximity to the live stock pen.) This general area was eventually to become Georgetown. An iron works, established on the brook between Rock Pond and Pentucket Pond in 1668, was Georgetown's first business.

By the early 1800's, this section had become known as "New Rowley" with its own town square, schools and churches. In 1815 the First Congregational Church purchased a church bell from the foundry of Paul Revere and Son, to encourage its members to be prompt for services. With six miles separating the two villages, and with businesses flourishing in the new town, on April 21, 1838, New Rowley ceded from Old Rowley, and was named Georgetown. The origin of the name is unknown, but it is said to have been chosen because of the large number of the town's prominent citizens who were named George.

Located adjacent to Interstate 95, and with routes 97 and 133 converging in the main square, Georgetown has convenient access to major commuter routes. With its charming downtown, and distinctly rural feel, Georgetown is a quintessential New England town. The town park with its beach, playground, and tennis courts also boasts a performing arts pavillion, and a Little League field. Housing is comprised of a large number of exceptional antique homes, as well as handsome new homes, and many residential neighborhoods. With all the amenities of contemporary life, including a supermarket, the town is also known for its antique shops which attract customers from far and wide, as well as the quaint, hometown feel of its main streets. Georgetown also maintains its own school system.

Spotlight on Georgetown

Population: 7,500

Square Miles: 13.27

Tax rate fiscal 2008: $9.30

Government: Board of Selectmen

How to contact:

Selectmen: Chair, Elizabeth Kostura 978-352-4801

Hospital/Emergency: Merrimack Valley Hospital , Haverhill 978-374-2000

Schools:

School Department: 978-352-5777

Georgetown Middle School

Georgetown High School

Penn Brook

Perley Elementary

MBTA Commuter Rail Service to Boston with station in Haverhill

Schedules and Information: (800) 392-6100 or www.mbta.com