Rochester () is a census-designated place (CDP) in Thurston County, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1852, and the 2020 census recorded its population at 6,064. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.3 square miles (6.0 square kilometers), all of it land. Rochester Schools had 2,105 students registered in the 2021-22 School Year.

History

Rochester was platted in 1890, and named after Rochester, Indiana, the native home of a first settler. An early variant name was "Key".<br>2020 Census The celebration first began in 1978, replacing an annual Strawberry Festival held in the town. Constructed in a style similar to traditional Swedish halls, the building received approximately $200,000 during the Washington state budget in 2019 to make necessary improvements to the 80 year-old hall's infrastructure.

Parks and recreation

The Black River Habitat Management Area, the Glacial Heritage Preserve, and the Scatter Creek Unit surround the community. Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is north of the town.

The South Sound Speedway, a Figure 8 racetrack, is directly east of the downtown area.

Education

  • Grand Mound Elementary School [http://www.rochester.wednet.edu/GMES/Default.HTM]
  • H.E.A.R.T [http://www.rochester.wednet.edu/HEART/DEFAULT.HTM]
  • Rochester Co-op Preschool [http://sites.google.com/site/rochestercooppreschoolfamily/]
  • Rochester High School [http://www.rochester.wednet.edu/RHS/default.HTM]
  • Rochester Primary School [http://www.rochester.wednet.edu/RPS/default.HTM]
  • Rochester Middle School

The Rochester Primary School was built in 1936 and, as of 2023, is the headquarters for the school district.

See also

  • Scatter Creek Unit

References

  • Rochester, Washington Community Bulletin Board