Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rochester
Photographed By Joel Seewald, May 24, 2003
1. Rochester Marker
The area known as Rochester was settled in 1817 by James Graham. It was the first permanent settlement in present-day Oakland County. The community was named in honor of Rochester, New York, where many of its pioneer settlers once lived. In 1819 the first industry in this vicinity was founded when William Russell, Benjamin Woodworth, Alexander Graham and John Hersey erected a water-powered sawmill. In 1826 Lewis Cass, territorial governor of Michigan, together with Austin E. Wing and Charles Larned, platted the village, which was incorporated in 1869 and became a city in 1967. Abundant sources of water and the advent of the railroad contributed to the development of woolen, flour, saw and paper mills in the region. The Rochester area is now a major cultural center and includes Oakland University, Michigan Christian College and the Leader Dog School for the Blind.
Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L759.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 42° 41.044′ N, 83° 8.191′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Michigan
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1837-1847 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1847-1857 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1857-1867 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1827-1837 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1867-1877 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1817-1827 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1877-1887 (within shouting distance of this marker); 2007-2017 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.
More about this marker. Marker was missing for a few years because of construction of the Rochester Golden Bicentennial Monument. It was replaced about 65 feet northeast of its former location and is now next to Paint Creek.
Also see . . .
1. Oakland University. University website homepage (Submitted on January 31, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. About Rochester University. Rochester University website entry (Submitted on January 31, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
3. Leader Dogs for the Blind: Who We Are.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 22, 2022
2. Rochester Marker — new location
© 2020 Google, circa October 2009
3. Rochester Marker — former location
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on March 5, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
