Learn About Rochester, New York

Rochester Overview

Rochester, New York was founded in 1817 by Nathaniel Rochester, Charles Carroll, and William Fitzhugh. The city was named after Nathaniel Rochester, who was a prominent landowner in the area.
Rochester quickly became a booming industrial city due to its location along the Genesee River, which provided power for mills and factories. The city was known for its flour mills, textile factories, and later, as the birthplace of companies like Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb.
Throughout its history, Rochester has been a hub for innovation and technology, with a strong focus on education and research. The city is home to several universities and research institutions, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Rochester is known as the "Flower City" because of its history as a major producer of flowers and plants. The city is home to the annual Lilac Festival, which celebrates its beautiful lilac bushes.
Rochester is also known for its rich history in photography, with George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, playing a major role in the development of the industry.
The city is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, known for its scenic beauty and wine production.

Susan B. Anthony, a prominent women's rights activist, lived in Rochester for many years and is buried in the city's Mount Hope Cemetery.
Frederick Douglass, a famous abolitionist and writer, lived in Rochester and published his newspaper, The North Star, in the city.
George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, was born and raised in Rochester and played a major role in the development of photography.

The Strong National Museum of Play, a hands-on museum dedicated to the history of play and toys.
The George Eastman Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of photography and film, located in George Eastman's former home.
Highland Park, a beautiful park known for its lilac bushes and annual Lilac Festival.

The Finger Lakes, a region known for its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor activities.
Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" for its stunning waterfalls and gorge.
Seneca Park Zoo, a zoological park located in nearby Seneca Park.

Rochester's population peaked in the 1950s at over 330,000 residents. Since then, the city's population has declined slightly, with the current population estimated at around 200,000 residents.

Rochester is located in western New York, along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The city is situated on the Genesee River and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland.
The city has a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

Rochester has a diverse economy, with a strong focus on technology, healthcare, and education. The city is home to several major corporations, including Xerox, Paychex, and Wegmans.
The University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology are major employers in the area, contributing to the city's reputation as a center for research and innovation.

Rochester has a rich cultural scene, with a thriving arts community, numerous museums, and a vibrant music and theater scene. The city is home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and several theaters and art galleries.
The city also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from jazz music to local food and drink.

The Eastman Theatre, a historic concert hall and home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Rochester Public Market, a bustling market featuring fresh produce, flowers, and local goods.
The Susan B. Anthony House, a historic site dedicated to the life and work of the famous suffragist.