ROCHESTER, NH -FACTS
Rochester is the fourth largest city in NH
Rochester is 46.3 square miles large
In 1999 the population was 29,730
In 1840 the population was 2431
In 1830 the population was 2155
In 1820 the population was 2471
In 1810 the population was 2118
In 1800 the population was 2646
In 1790 the population was 2857
In 1850 there were;
328 horses
1491 sheep
568 hogs
In 1888 there were;
646 horses
In 1751 the bear was such a problem to the farms that a bounty of ten shillings would be awarded to anyone who killed a bear within the city limits and the head of the bear had to have both ears intact.
Bounties were also paid on wolves. One method of killing wolves was to place fishhooks in small balls of fat. The balls of fat would be left near a dead animal and the wolf would eat the ball of fat along with the dead animal.
Rattlesnakes were numerous in several meadows and becoming a problem The problem was solved by setting the meadows on fire and the rattlesnakes were never seen again.
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The first fatal car accident occurred on July 9, 1911. The car Mrs. T. J. Morin was travelling in was struck by a train on Main Street. Mrs. Morin was thrown from her car and was almost decapitated. The driver, Mr. Morin was injured and he survived.
The first train appeared on March 06, 1849. The first train ran on the Great Falls & Conway RR
The Rochester Commons is 5 acres large. When the Commons was established in 1730 the size of the area was well over 250 acres and was known as 'Norway Plains Mile Common'. The bandstand (located in the Commons) was built in 1914 by Miles H. Dustin, previously band concerts were held in Central Square.