Ruth Haines
The first airport in Rochester, New York, was founded in 1928 by the Mayo Foundation and was called Rochester Municipal Airport. It was located in what is now southeast Rochester and occupied 285 acres of land. The airport was renamed Lobb Field in 1952, and in 1960, it was decided that a new airport would be built southwest of the city to accommodate larger airliners. The new airport, called Rochester International Airport, opened in 1960 and was later renamed Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
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What You'll Learn
The first Rochester airport
The first airport in Rochester, New York, was the Greater Rochester International Airport, originally known as Britton Field. The site was used for aviation purposes as early as 1919, when the Rochester Aircraft Corporation launched its first passenger flight from Britton Field on August 18, 1919. The Curtiss JN-4 was piloted by aviation pioneer Earl F. Beers, who offered passenger flights for $1.00 per minute.
In 1927, the first Rochester-to-New York City passenger flight was made, and the following year, the name of the aviation field was changed from Britton Field to Rochester Municipal Airport. Additional work was done on the runways, drainage, and Hangar No. 2 was erected. During World War II, the airport was the scene of great activity, with scheduled flights increasing and civilian pilot training expanding. There was also a cadet flight school that at one time numbered 1,000 students.
On January 1, 1948, Monroe County took possession and control of the airport, and began making major improvements, including the construction of a new 5,000-foot instrument runway and the lengthening of the north-south runway. The airport was renamed Lobb Field in 1952, but in 1960, it was decided to replace it with a new airport southwest of town as it could not be expanded to accommodate larger airliners and was too close to the urban area.
The modern era of the Greater Rochester International Airport began in 1965 with the opening of the new airport at its current location, 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Rochester. Northwest and Braniff moved to the new airport that year, and in 1968, North Central Airlines arrived. The airport has since undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger growth and improve the traveler experience. Today, it is officially known as the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
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Renamed Britton Field
The Greater Rochester International Airport, originally known as Britton Field, has been used for aviation purposes since 1919. The site was first utilised by the Rochester Aircraft Corporation, which launched its inaugural passenger flight from Britton Field on August 18, 1919. Earl F. Beers, a pioneering aviator from Rochester, piloted the Curtiss JN-4 aircraft. Beers urged the local government to purchase Britton Field for conversion into a municipal airport.
In 1919, Beers began offering passenger flights from Britton Field, charging $1.00 per minute. The field hosted the United States Flying Circus, consisting of six planes, in September 1919. Britton Field witnessed the landing of dozens of planes as part of an aviation race spanning the United States. Geraldine Grey of Buffalo, the first woman in Western New York to obtain a pilot's licence, trained at Britton Field under William Dunlap's guidance in 1928.
The modern era of the Greater Rochester International Airport commenced in 1927 with the construction of Hangar No. 1 on a plot of land south of Rochester, along Scottsville Road. The initial scheduled passenger flights between Rochester and New York City took place that year. In 1928, the airport's name was changed to Rochester Municipal Airport, and further construction was undertaken, encompassing enhancements to the runways and drainage system, as well as the erection of Hangar No. 2.
Following World War II, the airport underwent an expansionary phase characterised by increased passenger volume, heightened flight frequency, and a surge in civilian pilot training. A substantial flight training school, boasting nearly 1,000 students, was established. On January 1, 1948, Monroe County assumed ownership and management of the airport. Over the ensuing decades, the airport experienced further developments, including the addition of jetways and lounge areas for various airlines.
Today, the airport is officially named the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (IATA: ROC, ICAO: KROC, FAA LID: ROC). It is a public airport situated within Rochester's city limits, approximately three miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown, in Monroe County, New York, United States. Monroe County operates and owns the airport, which is also home to the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion, an element of the 42nd Infantry Division.
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Rochester Municipal Airport
The history of aviation in Rochester, New York, can be traced back to the early 20th century, and the city's first airport played a significant role in the development of aviation in the region. Rochester Municipal Airport, now known as Rochester Airport, was the first airport to serve the city of Rochester and became a pivotal aviation hub for the region.
Located in the northwest section of Rochester, Rochester Municipal Airport came into existence in 1927 when a group of local businessmen and aviation enthusiasts formed the Rochester Airport Company. They leased a 165-acre site, which included a small existing airfield, with the vision of creating a modern airport to serve the city. The airport company worked diligently to develop the site, and by 1928, the airport boasted a 2,600-foot runway, a hangar, and a small administration building.
The airport officially opened on July 22, 1928, with great fanfare and a dedication ceremony attended by local dignitaries and aviation pioneers, including Charles Lindbergh, who had made his historic transatlantic flight the previous year. The airport was initially used for mail service, with the first airmail flight taking off from Rochester Municipal Airport in 1929. Soon after, passenger service began, with the first commercial flight departing for Buffalo in 1930.
As aviation grew in importance, so did Rochester Municipal Airport. The airport expanded over the years, adding longer runways, larger hangars, and improved facilities to accommodate the increasing demand for air travel. It became a bustling center for general aviation, attracting flying clubs, aviation schools, and charter flight companies. The airport also played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a training base for military pilots and a stopover for military aircraft.
In the post-war years, the airport continued to thrive, handling an increasing number of passengers and cargo. However, by the 1950s, it became evident that the airport's location posed challenges for further expansion to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing passenger traffic. This led to the search for a new site, and in 1952, plans were approved for what would become the Greater Rochester International Airport, located in the suburb of Chili.
While the opening of the new airport in 1959 signaled the end of Rochester Municipal Airport's role as the primary aviation hub for the city, its legacy is significant. It laid the foundation for aviation in the region, fostering a spirit of innovation and a strong aviation community that continues to this day. The airport's history is a testament to the vision and dedication of those early aviation pioneers, and it remains an important chapter in Rochester's rich aviation story.
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Frederick Douglass renaming
The Greater Rochester International Airport, originally known as Britton Field, was used for aviation purposes as early as 1919. The airport became known as the Greater Rochester International Airport in the 1980s.
In July 2020, an online petition was started to rename the airport after Frederick Douglass, possibly to "Frederick Douglass International Airport". This was to honour one of Rochester's most famous and influential residents. County Executive Adam Bello endorsed the idea, stating that Douglass "holds an unparalleled place of prominence in the history of Rochester and Monroe County".
On 12 August 2020, Monroe County legislators confirmed that the airport would be renamed in honour of Douglass. The new name, "Frederick Douglass – Greater Rochester International Airport", was voted on by county lawmakers. The bill was sponsored by the Monroe County Legislature’s Democratic Minority Leader Vince Felder and Republican Legislator Karla Boyce. Felder and Boyce said in a joint statement:
> Each time residents and visitors arrive at our airport, they will be reminded of Douglass's life and legacy of fighting oppression. Our remembrance through the airport renaming serves as recognition of our past and a promise of the work our community will do to make Monroe County a welcoming place for all.
The airport is now referred to as the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. It has also been recognised through the naming of Concourse A, which is now known as the Frederick Douglass Concourse.
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Modern-day improvements
The first airport in Rochester, New York, can trace its roots back to the early days of aviation. It was called the Rochester Municipal Airport and it opened in 1927. The airport was located on a site that is now part of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). At the time of its opening, the airport had a single unpaved runway and a small wooden terminal building. Despite these humble beginnings, the airport played a significant role in the development of aviation in the region.
Over the years, the airport has undergone numerous improvements and expansions to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the Rochester region. One of the most significant modern-day improvements is the expansion of the airport's runway infrastructure. In the early 2000s, the airport authorities lengthened the main runway to accommodate larger commercial aircraft. This expansion not only increased the airport's capacity but also improved flight safety, especially during take-off and landing. Additionally, the airport has invested in advanced navigation and lighting systems, enabling safer and more efficient aircraft operations, particularly during low-visibility conditions.
Another notable enhancement is the modernization of the airport's terminal facilities. The original terminal building, which opened in the 1920s, has been replaced and upgraded several times to meet the changing needs of passengers and airlines. The current terminal complex offers expanded gate areas, improved passenger flow, and enhanced amenities, including a variety of dining and retail options. The design of the terminal also incorporates energy-efficient features, such as improved insulation, high-efficiency lighting, and water-saving fixtures, contributing to the airport's sustainability efforts.
The airport has also placed a strong emphasis on improving ground transportation and access. A new access road was constructed, providing a direct connection to the nearby interstate highway, streamlining the journey for passengers and reducing travel time for those arriving or departing by car. Additionally, the airport has enhanced parking facilities, offering a range of options, including long-term and short-term parking lots, as well as a convenient cell phone waiting lot for those briefly awaiting arriving passengers. These improvements have significantly enhanced the overall accessibility and convenience of the airport for travelers.
Security measures have also been a key focus of the airport's improvements. In line with post-9/11 security enhancements, the airport has implemented state-of-the-art security screening technologies and procedures. This includes advanced baggage screening systems, full-body scanners, and enhanced perimeter security measures. The airport also conducts regular security drills and exercises to ensure the readiness and responsiveness of its security personnel. These measures provide travelers with an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
Lastly, the airport has not overlooked the importance of sustainability and the environment in its improvement efforts. Initiatives have been implemented to reduce the airport's carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. This includes the installation of solar panels to generate clean energy, the adoption of electric ground support equipment, and the promotion of recycling programs. The airport also engages in educational outreach, raising awareness about sustainability practices among staff, passengers, and the wider community.
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Frequently asked questions
The first airport in Rochester, New York, was called Britton Field, which was used for aviation purposes as early as 1919.
Britton Field opened in 1919, and the first passenger flight took off from there on August 18, 1919.
The current airport serving Rochester, New York, is called the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
