History of Rochester, Massachusetts, USA

1638 - Rochester is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1686 - Rochester is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Rochester
Rochester, Massachusetts
Plymouth county. A large maritime town on Buzzard's bay, 9 miles E. from New Bedford and 48 S.S.E. from Boston. Incorporated, 1686. Population, 1837, 3,570. The face of the town is uneven and the soil light. Mattepoiset and Sipican rivers, rising in large ponds in the town, empty into the bay and form good harbors. The manufactures of Rochester consist of vessels, salt, bar iron, boots, shoes, &c.; value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $101,811. During that period there were 9 vessels engaged in the whale fishery, and brought into port 116,928 gallons of oil, valued at $71,658. A number of merchant vessels belong to this place, and numerous coasting and fishing vessels.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - ROCHESTER. [Pop. 3,864. Inc. 1686.]
This is a very large township, originally called by the Indians Sippican, and named Rochester, after Rochester in England, from which some of its first settlers came to Scituate, and thence hither.

The chief village, called Mattapoiset, has a good harbor on an arm of Buzzard's Bay, and is largely concerned in the whale fishery.

Ship-building is extensively carried on in this town, and at Sippican Village much salt is manufactured.

Distance from Plymouth, 16 miles; from Boston, 48.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Rochester
Rochester, a post-village of Plymouth co., Massachusetts, near the head of Rochester harbor, in Buzzard's bay, on the Cape Cod Branch railroad, 50 miles S. by E. from Boston. It has considerable ship building, and several vessels engaged in the whale fisheries. Population of the township, 3808.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Rochester Massachusetts, 1890
Rochester is a large farming town in the southwesterly part of Plymouth County, 50 miles southeast of Boston. It is bounded on the north by Lakeville and Middleborough, east by Wareham and Marion, south by Mattapoisett, and west by Acushnet and Freetown. The assessed area is 18,410 acres; and above 10,000 acres are occupied by forests of oak, pine and cedar. There are several extensive swamps; the ponds are Snipatuit in the northwest section, with Great and Little Quittacus lying on the northern border; a considerable hill between the three affording a fine view of them and their surroundings. Mary's Pond lies in the east, and in the west is another fine pond with a long hill in the cast, and one or two grist mills near by. Sippican River drains the eastern, and Mattapoisett River the western section of the town.

In the eastern section are other grist mills, and saw mills are found in all parts of the town. There are manufactures of nails, boots and shoes, carriages, etc.; and the... Read MORE...

1895 - Rochester
Rochester, a post-village in Rochester township, Ply mouth co., Mass, about 9 miles N.E. of New Bedford, 3 miles from Buzzard's Bay, and 3 miles W. of the Cape Cod Railroad. It contains an academy, lumber-mills, and 5 churches. Pop. of the township, 1001.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Rochester, a post-village in Rochester township (town), Plymouth co., Mass., about 9 miles NE. of New Bedford and 3 miles from Buzzard's Bay. Pop. of the town in 1900, 986.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Rochester:
East Over Reservation:

Enjoy the scenic beauty of this nature reserve.
Perfect for hiking and bird watching.

Sippican River Farm:

Explore the farm and enjoy its picturesque surroundings.
Check if there are any events or farmer's markets.

Rochester Memorial School Playground:

Ideal for families with kids.
A great place for a day out with a picnic.

Copicut Woods:

Hiking and nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Enjoy the serene woodland setting.

Rochester Country Fair:

If you're visiting during the fair, it's a must-attend event.
Experience the local culture and enjoy fair activities.

Explore Mattapoisett:

A neighboring town with charming shops and waterfront areas.
Great for a day trip from Rochester.

Rochester Historical Society:

Learn about the local history and heritage.
Check for any events or exhibitions.

Nasketucket Bay State Reservation:

Enjoy coastal views and walking trails.
Birdwatching and photography... Read MORE...