Rochester New York

Located on the picturesque banks of the Genesee River is a city that is definitely one of a kind: Rochester NY. It is the third largest city in New York, and is the seat of Monroe County. Rochester NY originally started out as a milling town, and was established as a township in 1817. It was from that date to the entire area was known as “Rochesterville”, owing to the efforts of one Colonel Nathaniel Rochester along with two other partners. By the time 1822 rolled along, work on the nearby Erie Canal had finally been completed. This event was significant since it was then that Rochester NY became a major business center. Along with this development came the shortening of the city’s name to Rochester.

It wasn’t long before flour mills sprouted up all over the city as one of its first major industries. It was the rise of these businesses led to the city being dubbed as Flour City.

The other nickname of Rochester NY was just as interesting since it deviated slightly from its original nickname. The establishment of a seed company that later became one of the largest nurseries in the area also resulted in the city being called “Flower City.”

Rochester NY is just as famous for his contribution to the political arena. The city has long been known as a politically progressive one, with a rich history of social activism. An early proponent of the abolishment of slavery, the city’s own Frederick Douglass is one of its most notable historical personalities. Douglass of course was responsible for the publication of the now legendary North Star newspaper.

Another notable resident of Rochester NY was Susan B. Anthony, and the historic women’s rights activist contributed largely to University of Rochester’s admission of women beginning in the year 1900. Anthony is still of course one of the most well regarded historical figures in the city, and Rochester NY pays homage to her significant contributions by way of her original home which is now a world famous tourist destination.

Far from being merely a quaint and historical town, Rochester NY is a definite industrial and cultural hub as well. With most of its more significant accomplishments in this front being the Xerox and the Eastman Kodak companies, this in turn gave rise to yet another nickname: “The World’s Image Center.” No matter by which name you call it however, Rochester NY is certainly one of the most interesting and unique cities in the country.