The Town of Rowley was founded in 1639 by the Reverend Ezekiel Rogers. The settlers sailed on the ship “John of London” bringing with them the first printing press to be used in America, the famous “Daye Press” which was to be set up in Cambridge. In 1643, the first fulling (wool) mill in the colonies was established in Rowley, which later proved to be a contributing factor to the War of Independence as the mill was perceived as a threat to England's dominance in supplying wool to the colonies.
The town maintains its historical charm and may be the quintessential New England hometown, with its 350th anniversary commemorative bandstand sited on the town common green, and numerous stately, colonial era homes lining Main Street. The Georgetown –Rowley State Forest is a 1,112 acre preserve offering a variety of year-round activities including horseback riding, hiking, walking, hunting (some restrictions), cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.