Rochester history

Rochester, located in the western part of New York State, boasts a rich history that has transformed it from a small settlement into a major industrial and cultural centre.

Founding and First Mentions

The territory where Rochester stands today was purchased in 1803 by Colonel Nathaniel Rochester and his two partners from Maryland. The first permanent settlement was established in 1811, and in 1817 the village received the official name Rochesterville. In 1822, the name was shortened to Rochester, and in 1834 the settlement received city status.

Key Factors of Establishment

The city's rapid growth in the 19th century was driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Genesee River with its waterfalls provided energy for numerous flour mills, earning Rochester the nickname "The Flour City".
• Trade and Transport: The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was a turning point, connecting the city to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast. This turned Rochester into America's first "boomtown", a centre of trade and commerce.
• Innovation and Industry: Later, the city became known as "The Flower City" due to its developed plant nurseries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rochester evolved into a global centre for the optical and photography industries thanks to companies such as Eastman Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, and Xerox.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 19th century, Rochester was not only an industrial giant but also a centre for important social movements. The city played a key role in the fight to abolish slavery; here, the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass published his newspaper "The North Star". Additionally, Rochester was one of the hubs of the women's rights movement, closely linked to the activities of Susan B. Anthony, whose home is now a national museum.

Key Events in Rochester's History

Rochester's history is a chronicle of innovation, the struggle for civil rights, and industrial growth. From a humble settlement on the Genesee River to a global technology hub, here are the key moments that shaped the face of this remarkable city.

• 1817: The settlement of Rochesterville is founded, which would soon be renamed Rochester, laying the foundation for the future metropolis.
• 1825: The completion of the Erie Canal radically changes the city's destiny, turning it into America's first "boomtown" and a thriving flour trading centre.
• 1834: Rochester officially receives city status, marking the beginning of a new stage in its development and growth.
• 1847: Famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass begins publishing the influential anti-slavery newspaper "The North Star" in Rochester, making the city a hub for the abolitionist movement.
• 1853: German immigrants John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb open a small optical workshop. This modest shop would grow into the world-renowned company Bausch & Lomb.
• 1872: Women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony performs a bold act—she votes in the presidential election, for which she is arrested. This act of civil disobedience draws nationwide attention to the fight for women's suffrage.
• 1888: George Eastman patents his first camera under the Kodak brand and launches it for sale. This event marks the founding of Eastman Kodak, which would revolutionise photography, making it accessible to millions.
• 1906: The Haloid Photographic Company, dedicated to manufacturing photographic paper, is founded in Rochester. In the future, it would become the world-famous corporation Xerox.
• 1959: Haloid Xerox releases the Xerox 914—the world's first fully automatic office photocopier, which forever changed office work around the globe.
• 1966: Construction of the Xerox Tower is completed, becoming a dominant feature of the cityscape and a symbol of Rochester's industrial power for years to come.

Major Milestones in Rochester's Development

The history of Rochester is a journey from a small settlement to a world-renowned centre of innovation. The key stages of this development formed the city's unique economic and cultural landscape.

1. The "Flour City" Era

The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was the main catalyst for Rochester's growth. The unique combination of cheap water power from the Genesee River and a direct transport route to Atlantic ports turned the city into the largest flour milling centre in the USA. This period laid the economic foundation for future prosperity.

2. Centre of Social Reform

In the mid-19th century, Rochester became one of the most important centres for the abolitionist movement and the fight for women's rights. Here, Frederick Douglass published his newspaper "The North Star", and Susan B. Anthony actively campaigned for women's suffrage. These events forever inscribed the city into the history of the struggle for civil liberties in the USA.

3. From Flour to Flowers: "The Flower City"

In the second half of the 19th century, as the flour milling industry began to move west, Rochester's economy successfully diversified. The city became known for its large nurseries and seed companies, earning a new nickname—"The Flower City". This transition demonstrated the city's ability to adapt and find new markets.

4. Birth of Photo and Optical Industry Giants

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the birth of companies that made Rochester world-famous. The founding of Eastman Kodak by George Eastman and Bausch & Lomb by John Bausch and Henry Lomb turned the city into the world capital of optics and photography. These companies not only created thousands of jobs but also became symbols of innovation.

5. The Xerox Era and the Office Revolution

In the mid-20th century, the Haloid company, later renamed Xerox, achieved a breakthrough by releasing the first automatic photocopier, the Xerox 914. This invention revolutionised office work worldwide and strengthened Rochester's status as a technological leader. Built in 1966, the Xerox Tower became a dominant feature of the cityscape for decades.

6. Educational and Research Centre

Throughout the 20th century, Rochester strengthened its reputation as an important scientific and educational hub. Institutions such as the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) became engines of innovation, training highly qualified specialists and conducting cutting-edge research in medicine, optics, and engineering.

7. Post-Industrial Transformation

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, facing a decline in traditional manufacturing, Rochester began a new chapter in its history. The city is actively reorienting its economy towards high technology, medical research, education, and the service sector. This modern transformation demonstrates Rochester's resilience and its ability to adapt to the challenges of a new era.

Rochester's architectural appearance is a visual history of its transformation from a thriving 19th-century industrial centre into a modern city of technology. The city's development and economic successes are reflected in a variety of architectural styles, from elegant mansions to monumental skyscrapers.

The wealth that flowed into the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the flour industry and the success of companies like Kodak and Bausch & Lomb, is reflected in the luxurious residential developments. The East Avenue Historic District is a veritable open-air museum, featuring magnificent mansions in Victorian, Georgian, and Neo-Colonial styles. One of the most striking examples is the George Eastman Museum, located in the former residence of the Kodak founder. This Colonial Revival style mansion, built in 1905, demonstrates the elegance and attention to detail characteristic of that era.

In the first half of the 20th century, Rochester's cityscape was enriched with iconic high-rise buildings that became symbols of its industrial might. Among them stand out:

• Kodak Tower: Built in 1914, this 19-story tower was the tallest building in the city for a long time. Its architecture is executed in the French Renaissance style, giving it a sophisticated and recognisable look.
• Times Square Building: Completed in 1930, this skyscraper is a prime example of the Art Deco style. Its summit is adorned with four aluminium sculptures known as the "Wings of Progress", which symbolise the optimism and faith in technology of that era.

The post-war period brought new trends to Rochester's architecture. The most notable building of this time was the Xerox Tower (now Innovation Square), built in 1967. This 30-story Brutalist skyscraper, made of monolithic concrete, became the city's tallest building for many years and a symbol of the dominance of the Xerox corporation. Its austere, sculptural forms and recessed windows create a monumental and memorable image. Currently, the building has been repurposed into a mixed-use complex, reflecting the modern trend towards the adaptation and renewal of urban space.

Notable Figures Who Shaped Rochester

Rochester has been the home and place of activity for many outstanding individuals whose influence extended far beyond the city limits. From social reformers to industry pioneers and artists, these people have left an indelible mark on history.

Susan B. Anthony

Social reformer and leader of the women's rights movement. Although Susan B. Anthony was not born in Rochester, this city became her home and the headquarters of her activities for many years. She was one of the key figures in the fight for women's suffrage in the USA. In 1872, she was arrested in her own home in Rochester after illegally voting in the presidential election. Today, her house on Madison Street is a National Historic Landmark and museum.

Frederick Douglass

Abolitionist, writer, and orator. Frederick Douglass, a former slave who became one of the most influential fighters for the abolition of slavery, lived in Rochester for about 25 years. It was here that, starting in 1847, he published his famous newspaper "The North Star", which became a mouthpiece for the abolitionist movement. His work in Rochester turned the city into one of the centres of the struggle for civil rights in the 19th century.

George Eastman

Inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The founder of Eastman Kodak, George Eastman revolutionised the world of photography, making it accessible to the masses through the creation of roll film and the easy-to-use Kodak camera. His innovations and entrepreneurial talent turned Rochester into a global centre for the photo and film industry. Eastman was also a generous patron who made huge contributions to the development of the city's educational and cultural institutions, including the University of Rochester.

John Jacob Bausch & Henry Lomb

Pioneers of the optical industry. German immigrants John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb founded a small optical manufacturing workshop in Rochester in 1853. Their enterprise grew into the world-renowned company Bausch & Lomb, which became a leader in the production of eyewear, microscopes, binoculars, and other optical products, strengthening the city's reputation as a high-tech centre.

Cab Calloway

Jazz singer and bandleader. The legendary "Hi-De-Ho Man", Cab Calloway, was born in Rochester in 1907. Although his family moved from the city when he was a child, Rochester is the birthplace of one of the brightest stars of the swing era. Calloway became famous for his energetic performance style, scat singing, and as the leader of one of the most popular jazz orchestras at the famous Cotton Club in New York. His hit "Minnie the Moocher" became the first jazz record to sell over a million copies.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Actor and director. A native of the Rochester suburb of Fairport, Philip Seymour Hoffman is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Actor in the film "Capote". His deep and multifaceted roles in films such as "The Master", "Doubt", and "Boogie Nights" left a vivid mark on the history of cinema. A sculpture in his honour is installed in Rochester at the George Eastman Museum.