In the bustling maritime landscape of 19th-century Rochester, New York, Hosea Rogers (1812–1904) emerged as a prominent figure, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s shipbuilding industry and local infrastructure. Born in Carthage, New York, Rogers settled in Rochester in 1832, where he would go on to shape the city’s maritime and economic history.
A Shipbuilding Legacy on the Genesee River
Rogers established his shipyard on the east bank of the Genesee River, just north of the then-developing Rochester. During his career, he constructed 14 vessels, many of which navigated the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. His craftsmanship contributed to the transportation and trade that fueled the city’s growth, providing a critical link between Rochester and the larger network of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.
- S.G. ANDREWS, launched in 1856. This vessel, like many others built by Rogers, was a wooden-hulled schooner designed for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping, particularly in transporting bulk cargo such as lumber and grain. The S.G. ANDREWS would go on to serve for nearly three decades before being lost in a storm on Lake Michigan in 1885.
The Hosea Rogers House: A Rochester Landmark
In 1852, Rogers built a stately brick home for his family in what is now the Town of Irondequoit, just beyond the city limits of Rochester at that time. This residence, known as the Hosea Rogers House, still stands today on St. Paul Boulevard and is recognized for its historical significance. The house reflects Rogers’ prosperity and his place among Rochester’s early industrialists.
The home is an example of mid-19th-century architecture and offers a tangible link to the city’s maritime past. Its preservation serves as a reminder of Rogers’ contributions to both shipbuilding and the early development of Rochester’s infrastructure.
Beyond Shipbuilding: A Role in Rochester’s Industrial Growth
Rogers’ influence extended beyond the docks and into the broader economic landscape of Rochester. In 1874, he sold property on St. Paul Street to John Jacob Bausch and Henry Lomb, facilitating the expansion of their burgeoning optical business. This transaction played a crucial role in the development of what would become Bausch & Lomb, one of the most renowned optical companies in the world.
This involvement in the city’s industrial growth underscores Rogers’ multifaceted contributions to Rochester’s development. His investments and business dealings helped shape the city’s transition from a river port to a hub of industrial innovation.
Legacy and Historical Significance
Hosea Rogers’ legacy is preserved not only in the surviving records of the ships he built but also in the lasting physical and economic imprints he left on Rochester. His contributions to shipbuilding and the city’s industrial infrastructure highlight his role as a pioneer in Rochester’s 19th-century growth.
Today, Rogers is remembered through historical records, maritime archives, and the enduring presence of his family home. His story is emblematic of the entrepreneurial spirit that drove the expansion of commerce and industry along the Great Lakes and in the burgeoning cities that lined their shores.
Resources & Further Reading
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Rochester Historical Markers
- My Perfect Little Moneypit – History of the Hosea Rogers House
- Rochester History – Bausch & Lomb Origins
Discover more from Shotline Diving - The Great Lakes Goto
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.