Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rochester

By Joel Seewald, May 24, 2003

1. Rochester Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

2. Rochester Marker

In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 42° 41.037′ N, 83° 8.204′ W. Marker was in Rochester, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker could be reached from Sixth Street. Marker was in Rochester Municipal Park at the southeast end near Pine Street — between the parking lot and the pond. According to Google Maps Street View, the marker was removed sometime between October 2009 and August 2017. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 400 Sixth Street, Rochester MI 48307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Castle (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Warming House Renovation (about 600 feet away); Detroit United Railway and Car Barn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Township Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Torch (approx. ¼ mile away); Three-faced Clock (approx. ¼ mile away); Masonic Block (approx. ¼ mile away); Rochester Opera House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Also see . . .
1. Oakland University: Celebrating Our History. (Submitted on January 31, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. About Rochester University. Web page includes a history

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of Rochester University, which has had several names over the years, including Michigan Christian College. (Submitted on January 31, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

3. Leader Dogs for the Blind: Who We Are. Includes a few paragraphs about the history of Leader Dogs for the Blind. (Submitted on January 31, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on March 5, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.