Brockton, city, Plymouth County, southeastern Massachusetts; settled about 1700, separated from Bridgewater 1821, incorporated as a city 1881. In the early 19th century, Brockton was known for shoe manufacturing, which continues today on a small scale. Its modern economy focuses on diverse manufacturing, healthcare, and distribution services. The city has a community college, a symphony orchestra, and an art museum. Brockton was founded in 1700 on land deeded by the Native Americans in 1649 to the English settlers Miles Standish and John Alden. It was one of the first communities in the United States to build (1883) a central electric power station; in 1894 it introduced an innovative municipal sewage disposal system. Population 95,172 (1980); 92,788 (1990); 94,304 (2000).
