History of Rochester, Vermont, USA

1791 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 215

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1800 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 524

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1810 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 911

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1820 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 1,148

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1830 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 1,392

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1839 - Rochester
Rochester, Vermont
Windsor county. Rochester lies 30 miles S.S.W. from Montpelier, 37 N.W. from Windsor, and 20 S.E. from Middlebury. It is watered by White river, which supplies it with mill seats. A large part of the surface of the township is broken and mountainous, but it contains much good land for grazing and some tracts of excellent meadow. It has a pleasant village with some trade. In 1837 there were 9,000 sheep in the town. First settled, 1783. Population, 1830, 1,392.
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

1840 - Population of Rochester, Vermont - 1,396

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1849 - Rochester
Windsor Co. The principal stream is White River, which runs through the township from north to south. About half a mile south of the centre, it receives a considerable tributary from the west, which originates in Goshen. On each of these streams are good situations for mills.

Rochester is mountainous and broken, but contains much good land. The intervale along the river is handsome, but not extensive. The timber is mostly hard wood.

There is a pleasant village situated near the centre of the town, on the eastern bank of White River, and is a place of some business.

A part of Goshen was annexed to Rochester, in 1847.

Boundaries. Northerly by Braintree and a small part of Kingston, easterly by Bethel, southerly by Pittsfield, and westerly by Hancock.

First Settlers. The settlement of Rochester was commenced about the close of the revolutionary war.

First Minister. Rev. Salmon Hurlbut was settled over the Congregational Church in 1822.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, ... Read MORE...

1921 - SIX IN FAMILY OF TEN ARE BURNED TO DEATH Two Others May Die as the Result of a Vermont Man Lighting His Stove With Gasoline.
RUTLAND, Vt., Feb. 1. - Six persons, four of them small children, lost their lives, two other children were probably fatally burned and their parents were seriously injured in a fire at Rochester, Vt., twenty miles from here, that destroyed the ramshackle house in which they made their home, at 5 o'clock this morning.

The dead are:

Lewis Martel, aged 70 years;
Arthur Martel, aged 21 years;
Earl Martel, aged 9 years;
Catherine Martel, aged 7 years;
Chester Martel, aged 5 years;
Weller Martel, aged 4 years.
Henry Martel, the father of the children, escaped with burned hands. Mrs. Martel, mother of the children, was badly burned, and her condition, coupled with the shock, is extremely critical.

So far as can be learned, Henry Martel, father of the family, arose about 5 o'clock to light the fire. It is thought that he must have poured gasoline into the stove instead of kerosene. Two containers were in the back part of the house and he may have picked up the wrong one in the ... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Rochester and its surrounding areas:
Green Mountain National Forest: Explore the pristine wilderness of the Green Mountain National Forest. There are numerous hiking trails, like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont. Don't forget to pack a picnic and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest.

Rochester Historic District: Take a stroll through Rochester's charming historic district. You'll find well-preserved 19th-century buildings and a quaint New England atmosphere. The Rochester Depot, a historic train station, is a must-see.

White River Valley Artisans: Visit this local cooperative gallery to admire and purchase art and crafts created by talented Vermont artisans. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.

Fishing and Fly Fishing: The region around Rochester offers excellent fishing opportunities. Grab your fishing gear and try your luck at catching trout in one of the many nearby rivers and streams.

Scenic Drives: Vermont is renowned... Read MORE...