Rochester NY...Life In The City
Posted 12/15/09
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 in that year that the region became known as Rochesterville, drawing its name from one of its earliest historical figures, Colonel Nathaniel Rochester. The year 1822 brought about the completion of the Erie Canal. This was a significant historical event, since it heralded the growth of Rochester NY as a business center to contend with. It was also around that time that the city's name was shortened to Rochester.The improved access to nearby business centers resulted in the construction of numerous flourmills in this city. It was the rise of these businesses led to the city being dubbed as Flour City.
Rochester NY was also given a nickname that was interesting in that it was related to its earlier nickname. The city earned yet another nickname: "Flower City", and this was in reference to the establishment of what was originally a seed company that eventually ballooned into a major industry in the city, the Ellwanger & Barry Nursery Co.
Rochester NY has made its mark on the social political scene as well. Always at the forefront of progressive politics, social activism is one thing that the city holds near and dear. It was one of the first cities in the union to free a large number of slaves, including the historical figure Frederick Douglass. Douglass of course was responsible for the publication of the now legendary North Star newspaper.
Susan B. Anthony is yet another one of Rochester NY's most recognizable figures, and it was through her efforts that the University of Rochester began admitting female students in 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.
Of course Rochester NY has since grown into a remarkably high tech industrial and cultural urban center as well. In fact, the city has been given yet another nickname, "The World's Image Center," due to the Xerox and Eastman Kodak companies that are based in the city. No matter by which name you call it however, Rochester NY is certainly one of the most interesting and unique cities in the country.