Rochester | History, Attractions & Education (2024)

New York, United States

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7 people shot, 2 fatally, at a park in upstate Rochester, NY

Rochester, industrial city, seat (1821) of Monroe county, northwestern New York, U.S. It is a St. Lawrence Seaway port on the Genesee River at its outlet into Lake Ontario, 71 miles (114 km) east-northeast of Buffalo. It is the centre of a metropolitan area that includes Greece, Irondequoit, Perinton, Henrietta, and Brighton (the largest towns [townships]); these, together with Gates, Chili, Pittsford, Penfield, and Webster, are mainly residential, although some have industrial parks.

Settlement was made in 1789 at the falls of the Genesee, which powered a grist-mill built by Ebenezer Allen on a 100-acre (40-hectare) tract granted on condition that he would serve the needs of the Seneca Indians. The venture was a failure, and Allen’s land was sold to Colonel Nathaniel Rochester, Colonel William Fitzhugh, and Major Charles Carroll (all from Maryland). Rochester offered lots for sale in 1811, and in 1817 the village was incorporated as Rochesterville (shortened in 1822); it was incorporated as a city in 1834. The Erie Canal (1825) and the city’s abundant waterpower and railway linkages (1839) made it, by the 1850s, one of the early boom towns of the “West” (population 10,000) with a prosperous flour-milling industry based on the wheat production of the Genesee River valley. The clothing and shoe industries, initiated in the 1860s, were stimulated by demands of the American Civil War, and mass production methods were rapidly developed. After its flour millers moved west to Minnesota, the city turned to nursery enterprises and became a pioneer in the mail-order sale of seeds and shrubs.

During the 1890s industrialists such as George Eastman, John Jacob Bausch, and Henry Lomb developed photographic, optical, and precision equipment. Photocopy machines and other products including auto parts, machine tools, electrical equipment, clothing, plastics, and processed foods now augment the economy. Rochester is also the processing, distribution, and shipping point for the surrounding fertile truck- and fruit-farming belt. In 1916 the city was extended in a strip along both banks of the Genesee to Lake Ontario, and in 1931 the port of Rochester was developed to handle Great Lakes and ocean shipping.

The city was the home of Margaret and Kate Fox, spiritualists who attracted world attention in the 1840s with a series of seances known as the Rochester rappings. In 1847 Frederick Douglass, the black abolitionist, published his antislavery paper (North Star) there. Rochester was also a terminus for the Underground Railroad (escape route for runaway slaves). Susan B. Anthony, the early woman suffragist, lived there from 1866 to 1906; her house is preserved, and she is buried in the city’s Mount Hope Cemetery.

The city is the seat of the University of Rochester (founded in 1850, which includes the Eastman School of Music), the Rochester Institute of Technology (1829), and Roberts Wesleyan (1866), Nazareth (1924), and St. John Fisher (1948) colleges. The Monroe Community College of the State University of New York system was founded in 1961. The Colgate-Rochester Divinity School was founded in 1850 as the Rochester Theological Seminary. Cultural institutions include a symphony orchestra, an art gallery (University of Rochester), a planetarium, and the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House. The city’s parks, including Highland, Maplewood, and Genesee Valley, are noted for horticultural displays, and the Lilac Festival is a well-known annual (May) event. Pop. (2010) 210,565; Rochester Metro Area, 1,054,323; (2020) 211,328; Rochester Metro Area, 1,090,135.

This article was most recently revised and updated by World Data Editors.

Rochester | History, Attractions & Education (2024)

FAQs

What is Rochester best known for? ›

Throughout its history, Rochester has acquired several nicknames based on local industries; it has been known as "the Flour City" and "the Flower City" for its dual role in flour production and floriculture, and as the "Imaging Capital of the World" for its association with film, optics, and photography.

How to spend a day in Rochester, NY? ›

Top Attractions in Rochester
  1. The Strong National Museum of Play. 2,238. Children's Museums. ...
  2. George Eastman Museum. 1,098. ...
  3. Seabreeze Amusement Park. 683. ...
  4. Highland Park. 511. ...
  5. Seneca Park Zoo. 639. ...
  6. Highland Botanical Park and Lamberton Conservatory. 149. ...
  7. Rochester Museum & Science Center. 327. ...
  8. Rochester Public Market. 182.

Is Rochester, New York worth visiting? ›

Rochester is the cultural capital of Upstate New York! Named one of the most arts-vibrant cities in the country, Rochester is home to award-winning choreographers—including Garth Fagan, and nationally and internationally acclaimed theatre companies and art galleries. Rochester also has a booming public art scene.

Why is Rochester, NY called the flour city? ›

By 1830, the population reached 9,200, and the city became the original boomtown first known as "The Young Lion of the West." It quickly, however, became known as the Flour City, based on the numerous flour mills which were located along waterfalls on the Genesee in what is now the Brown's Race area of downtown ...

Why is Rochester, NY so popular? ›

Welcome to Rochester, NY, a city with a legacy of innovation, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. From the iconic Highland Park to the historic Eastman Theatre, Rochester offers residents a unique blend of opportunities and experiences.

What food is Rochester, NY known for? ›

Have you heard of the Garbage Plate? This unique mashup of ingredients is widely regarded as Rochester's signature dish. The Garbage Plate has become a thing of legend, and the notorious local dish has been documented in many articles and news stories around the nation.

Is it worth visiting Rochester? ›

With history dating back centuries, there is so much to see and do in the historic city itself. Explore the stunning Rochester Cathedral, founded in 604 and the second oldest in England. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the country at the magnificent Rochester Castle.

Is Rochester an expensive city? ›

Rochester's cost of living is 29% lower than the New York average, and 13% lower than the national average. In fact, due to reasonable home prices and utility rates, the city of Rochester is considered one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. to buy a home.

What are the cons of Rochester NY? ›

Con: Seasonal allergies and weather-related health concerns

Rochester residents may experience seasonal allergies and weather-related health concerns, particularly during the spring and summer months. Pollen levels can be high, leading to discomfort for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Are people in Rochester NY friendly? ›

(WROC) — Rochester is the second-friendliest city in the United States, according to a new Readers' Choice Awards survey from Condé Nast Traveler.

Is Rochester a wealthy area? ›

The per capita income in Rochester in 2022 was $28,611, which is low income relative to New York, and lower middle income relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $114,444 for a family of four. However, Rochester contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

What are people from Rochester called? ›

Residents of Rochester, N.Y., are called "Rochesterians." Ergo, people from Rochester, Minn., should be called "Rochesterians," although I know of no city ordinance that addresses the question. Rochesterian is not to be confused with Rotarian, which is what members of the Rotary service club are called.

Does Rochester NY have a Little Italy? ›

Yes! Rochester's Little Italy Neighborhood has obtained National Recognition as a historic Italian American enclave!

Why is Rochester no longer a city? ›

Rochester was a city until losing its status as one in 1998 following the forming of Medway and failing to protect its status as a city. There have been ongoing campaigns to reinstate the city status for Rochester.

What major is Rochester known for? ›

The most popular majors at University of Rochester include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Engineering; Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Visual and Performing ...

What makes Rochester unique? ›

1. The man who invented the “calculating machine,” now more complex and known as the calculator, was from Rochester. 2. Rochester has the least expensive real estate market out of all major New York cities, with a median housing price of only $83,000.

What is a fun fact about Rochester, NY? ›

FUN FACTS. Rochester is the birthplace of Kodak film, created by George Eastman in 1888. Learn more at the George Eastman Museum.

What is Rochester General known for? ›

Rochester General Hospital is a medical facility located in Rochester, NY. This hospital has been recognized for America's 50 Best Hospitals Award™, America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™, and more.

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