Rochester

### **Category: Rochester, New York** #### **Overview** **Rochester, New York**, is a major **port city on the southern shore of Lake Ontario**, historically significant for its **shipping industry, maritime trade, and role in Great Lakes navigation**. The city’s **Genesee River connects to the Erie Canal**, making it an essential transportation hub for **commerce, industry, and shipping** throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Rochester remains a center for **boating, fishing, and shipwreck diving**, with a strong connection to **Great Lakes history and commerce**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located on the **southern shore of Lake Ontario**, at the **mouth of the Genesee River**. - Positioned **between Oswego and Buffalo**, serving as a key **port on the Great Lakes shipping route**. - **Home to the Port of Rochester**, a deep-water harbor used for **commercial shipping, recreation, and ferry service**. - Directly linked to the **Erie Canal**, providing access to the **Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean**. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Early Shipping & Trade (1800s)**: - The **Erie Canal (1825)** turned Rochester into a major **trade center**, allowing goods to flow between the Great Lakes and New York City. - **Flour, timber, and manufactured goods** were shipped from Rochester’s port to other Great Lakes cities. - **19th & 20th Century Commerce**: - Rochester’s port handled **coal, iron ore, and general cargo** for industries in Western New York. - The city was a key stop for **passenger steamships** connecting Buffalo, Toronto, and other lake ports. - **Modern Era**: - The **Port of Rochester** still supports **recreational boating and fishing**. - The former **high-speed ferry service to Toronto (2004-2006)** attempted to boost tourism but was ultimately discontinued. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** The waters off Rochester hold **several historic shipwrecks**, many of which sank due to **storms, collisions, or ice damage**. Notable wrecks include: - **The St. Peter (1873-1898)** – A well-preserved **schooner that sank in a storm**; popular for divers. - **The Lotus (1914)** – A wooden **tugboat wreck** located in deep water. - **The Roberval (1916)** – A **Canadian steamship lost in rough weather**. - **The Homer Warren (1919)** – A wooden freighter that **foundered near the Genesee River**. - **The Great Lakes Ferry Wrecks** – Remnants of former **passenger and cargo ferries** are scattered along the lake bottom. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse (1822)** – One of the oldest **lighthouses on Lake Ontario**, guiding ships into Rochester’s harbor. - **Port of Rochester Marina** – A modern marina offering **boating, fishing charters, and waterfront dining**. - **Seabreeze Amusement Park** – A historic amusement park with **views of Lake Ontario**. - **Strong Museum of Play** – A world-class museum celebrating **interactive exhibits and entertainment history**. - **Lake Ontario State Parkway** – A scenic drive along the **lake’s southern shore**, with **beaches, parks, and hiking trails**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Unpredictable Storms**: Sudden **weather changes** on Lake Ontario can create **dangerous conditions** for boaters. - **Hidden Sandbars & Shoals**: Certain areas near the port require careful navigation due to **shallow depths**. - **Winter Ice & Seaway Closures**: Shipping operations are affected by **seasonal freezing** of the lake and river. ### **Why It Matters** Rochester is **one of Lake Ontario’s most historic ports**, with deep ties to **Great Lakes shipping, the Erie Canal, and naval trade**. Its **lighthouse, shipwrecks, and waterfront attractions** make it a **key destination for maritime enthusiasts, divers, and historians alike**. Whether exploring **its historic waterways, diving wrecks, or fishing on the Genesee**, Rochester remains a **vital part of Great Lakes maritime history**.