Essex County

Essex County is a region in northeastern Massachusetts with a mix of coastal towns, rivers, and wooded areas further inland. The landscape shifts between sandy beaches along the Atlantic shore and gentle hills further away from the water.

The area was organized in 1643 during the early colonial period and named after an English county. Over the centuries, the economy shifted from shipbuilding and fishing to textile manufacturing and then to modern services.

The region was home to many early shipyards and coastal settlements, whose architecture and maritime culture remain visible today. Old captains' houses and restored fishing villages show how closely life here was tied to the sea.

Most towns lie within convenient reach of Boston and are accessible by car or commuter rail. Coastal areas offer easy access to beaches and historic sites, while the interior sections are quieter and more rural.

The region is home to the oldest continuously operating train station in the United States, located in one of its small coastal towns. This site reminds visitors how early transport routes were developed here.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1643

Capital city: Salem

Shares border with: Rockingham County, Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Hillsborough County

Website: https://essexma.org

GPS coordinates: 42.63547,-70.97083

Latest update: December 12, 2025 04:21