Landmarks in Rochester
Rochester, New York is full of rich history. With its incredible, New England style architecture, walking through the streets of Rochester provides that perfect backdrop for all your selfie needs. What better way to catch the total solar eclipse of 2024 than by watching it from a city filled with beautiful historic sites and landmarks? If you’re new to Rochester and you’re not sure where to look for the landmarks in Rochester, look no further. Here are five of the city’s most magnificent historical sites to cross off the list.
Ellwanger Gardens
The Ellwanger Garden is described as the living museum of Rochester. A former private garden to the 19th-century horticulturist, George Ellwanger, this garden has been a staple and one of the landmarks in Rochester since the late 1860s. It’s been kept in its original condition for the last 115 years. These beautiful gardens provide the perfect background for that romantic stroll with your loved ones. So why not spend the 2024 total solar eclipse in one of the most beautiful places on Earth and visit the Ellwanger Gardens?
The Stone-Tolan House
Considered the oldest house in Rochester, The Stone-Tolan House is a beautiful, bright red colonial house turned museum. Over the years it’s had an abundant life of its own. It’s been a residential home, a barn, and even a tavern. It was also a shelter for travelers during the early 19th century. The Historical Society offers guided tours of the house and tickets are incredibly affordable. So, take a look at Rochester’s oldest standing home. Watch as history is made once more at the sign of the 2024 total solar eclipse.
The Hoyt-Potter House
This Greek revival mansion was almost demolished before being rescued and turned into the headquarters of the Landmark Society. The house of a bookseller, this beautiful mansion is available for guided tours that tell stories about the Hoyt family and their influence. In the late 1960s, the house the Hoyt-Potter House was turned into a boarding house but was almost demolished for violating 89 building codes. Had it not been declared as a historical site and renovated, this treasure might have been lost to neglect. So if you visit the Hoyt-Potter House during the week of the solar eclipse, make sure to keep it alive and take the tour.
St. Joseph’s Park
After being closed to the public for many years, St. Joseph’s Park has opened its doors for wedding receptions and other celebrations. With its high stone walls and cast iron fences, it’s the perfect setting for viewing the total solar eclipse. Mainly because it has an open roof, with a clear view of the sky above. So if you’re looking for landmarks in Rochester and you’re looking to throw a fabulous party for the solar eclipse, call St. Joseph’s Park and see if they have any vacancies come April 8th.
Mount Hope Cemetery
The Mount Hope Cemetery is not just beautiful, but it’s also home to the burial sites of some of the nation’s most famous figureheads like Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas. With its gorgeous statues and tombs, the Mount Hope Cemetery is virtually garden-like. So stroll along the paths, take in the lovely air and the inspiration of the significant historical figures of the nation. The 2024 total solar eclipse promises to be a historical phenomenon. So why not step into the past as you witness the present too? And don’t forget to buy your solar glasses.
