This historical article documents the history of Rochester, New York in upstate New York State. The history dates back to the early 1800's when French Puritans established their first colony here. Settlement started in the late 1800's, and this city thrived with the opening of the Erie Canal, a major shipping route. It quickly became a regional manufacturing center, attracting many Italians, Germans, Irish, and others, and a highly influential group of ethnic Germans who immigrated to America. The German population did not stay long, however, as many left to settle in other areas of New York State, but kept their German name and culture.
As was the case with New York City, Rochester is primarily an industrial town. One of its great attractions is the Rochester skyline. At one time, the city was the world's tallest city. Many of its high-rise buildings date back to the earliest days of its history. In fact, part of what is Rochester's distinctive character is the evidence of its historic past.
In terms of natural landmarks, Rochester has some of the country's best. One of these is Fredrick Douglass Park, which is located on the border between Rochester and Monroe, New York. The park is named in honor of Douglass, an American writer, journalist, and cultural figure. His achievements in both fields are notable, and many of his former homes and gardens can be found within walking distance.
Rochester is also the home to some other notable landmarks. One of these is America's oldest living history museum, a restored 1812 cabin by the Lake Ontario. Another notable piece of local history is the Thomas Edison House, which was built near his birthplace in Westport, Connecticut. Its functioning is assisted by the power plant that Edison once operated. Its construction helped to make Rochester a hub of electrical development in the region, making it the world's first "hydro-power" city.
Another notable piece of urban renewal in Rochester is the midtown plaza. The plaza, or square, was designed to revitalize an area that had been largely ignored during earlier periods. The midtown plaza is made up of two major sections: the Orthodox synagogues and a new residential neighborhood that has risen around the Jewish Orthodox center. The plaza has become a main gathering place for locals, tourists, and visitors. A recent development is the conversion of this area into a mixed-use public space.
A final notable piece of urban renewal in Rochester is the Rochester Institute of Art. Situated in the heart of Rochester's arts community, the Rochester Institute of Art has a long history as one of the nation's premier cultural institutions. The campus was originally established as a German colony, but it was protected by the US government during World War II. The original museum complex, built in 1940, included a fine dining restaurant, a gift shop, a photography studio, and a theatrical exhibition. Today, the Rochester Institute of Art houses numerous art galleries and studios as well as an Institute of Art that hosts visiting artists. As part of its commitment to providing access to higher education for all people, the Institute of Art hosts an annual " residency " where guest speakers and guest artist are invited to speak about their work.
