History and Architecture

History buffs, you're in luck: Rochester has diligently recorded its story over the years. Milestone birthdays have been marked with comprehensive historical accounts. The city holds a rich collection of engravings and photographs spanning 200 years that illustrate the area's growth.

Boomtown!
The village of Rochesterville became the city of Rochester in 1834. Thanks to the hardworking people who settled our area (and to the Erie Canal that shipped their goods to distant points), Rochester became the country's first boomtown in the mid-1800s. Our growth began in the flour mills that hugged the steep Genesee River shore.

By the late 19th century, the Flour City started to stretch beyond the industries that relied on the river for power. We led the way in high-end clothes and shoes, exotic plants and trees, buttons, beer, cigarettes, coffins, polling machines, boxes and photographic equipment.

Unlike many cities, Rochester is younger than many of its suburbs. You'll find some of the oldest buildings in outlying towns, such as Pittsford and Clarkson.

Radicals in our Midst
Within this bustling community, two visionaries (and hundreds of supporters) led the fight for social justice. For decades, Rochester's Susan B. Anthony fought to change laws that prevented women from voting. Her efforts spawned the women's rights movement. Frederick Douglass, the foremost black leader of his time, lived in Rochester for 25 years, smuggling slaves to freedom and publishing "The North Star." Their graves in Mt. Hope Cemetery draw hundreds every year.

Abundant plant nurseries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries earned Rochester the Flower City nickname.

For a more detailed look at our area's rich past, see the Monroe County Library System's "Rochester History" journal articles at http://mcls.rochester.lib.ny.us/~rochhist/. Or visit the Local History Division in the Central Library's Rundel Memorial Building, 115 South Ave.

The Landmark Society also has some useful publications including a driving tour (with audio companion) and a book of color photos 200 Years of Rochester Architecture and Gardens.



Architecture

Rochester holds a rare spot among American cities: Our architecture, spanning two centuries, is of unusually high quality and rich in variety. Many of our houses and commercial buildings are original structures. These buildings and landscapes are our unique treasures, Rochester's own thumbprint on the world.

Rochester Is Well-Preserved
Rochester has eight preservation districts encompassing more than 1,000 properties, including East Avenue, one of the country's premier preservation districts. More than 65 properties are listed in the national and state registers of historic places, including Little Theatre (1929), Geva Theatre's Naval Armory (1868), Daisy Flour Mill (1848) and the Powers Building (1869). In Monroe County outside city lines, more than 45 National Register-listed properties exist. Rochester has two national historic landmarks, the highest category of designation: Susan B. Anthony House and George Eastman House. Portions of nearby Geneseo make up one of the rare National Historic Landmark districts nationwide.

Take a Walk
To see Rochester's well-preserved sights up close, take a Landmark Society walking tour.