Rochester, New York has a long history. From the time it was founded in 1760, it has been a place that has seen many changes. In this article, we will take a look at some of these changes over the years and how they have impacted Rochester as a city. Rochester's history has been an essential part of its development into today.
THE HISTORY OF ROCHESTER
Rochester is the second name of a British surveyor, Sir George Perceval. He came to America in 1796 and discovered Rochester while he was surveying the geography of the area. The city was known as "The Flour City" because it started as a trading post for farmers to sell their goods. Later on, Rochester got an influx of wealthy businessmen who came to trade flour and other goods with the farmers. This is where they coined the name "The Flour City." But when you look at the history of Rochester, you'll find more than just farming and business. Rochester also has a rich history of art, culture, and military. In the 1800s, Rochester was also home to many influential artists, including Thomas Cole (an American painter) and George Eastman (Kodak). You can visit some of their work today at The George Eastman House Museum or even take a tour with one of our guides who will teach you about this fantastic city's past. Rochester has been known for many things in recent years, such as the Genesee Brewery, the Blue Cross RiverRink outdoor ice skating rink, and its world-class museums. Additionally, it has a profound investment in education, being the home of the University of Rochester Medical Center. The city has grown to have something for anybody wishing to experience an array of business, art, and culture over the years.
POPULATION GROWTH
Rochester's population has grown from just over 2,000 people in 1760 to about 1.7 million people today. This makes sense because of all the different groups that have come into the city throughout time and why so many different ethnicities live here today. The population growth can be attributed to new immigrants coming into Rochester worldwide, such as Italians who came during World War II. The first Italian immigrants settled in what would become known as Little Italy because they were attracted to jobs at local factories like Kodak or Xerox and found homes for rent cheaply on East Avenue near St. Paul Street. Today, many businesses operate out of Rochester, allowing for more and more population growth. Additionally, the Rochester education institutions have increased the population, reaching almost 2 million people!
THE FUTURE OF ROCHESTER
Rochester is a city that has seen so many changes over the years. One thing that hasn't changed is its growth and development. The changes that have occurred throughout history are plentiful, providing much positive growth for the city of Rochester. The city's history provides many positive things for the Rochester community to look back on as it grows into a modern-day metropolis.