Brown's Race

Location

Brown's Race, Rochester, NY 14614

Brown's Race was a small power canal that was constructed in 1815 near the High Falls. The water that was diverted along the race was used to power water wheels for various mills that were built in and around the cliffs just north (up-river) of the High Falls on the west side of the Genesee River. Later the street Browns Race was run alongside the the canal, where it now hosts a series of bars and night clubs, and various businesses.

The race is still visible, running under a metal grate, alongside and below the street. You can also visit an excavated mill, and still the waterwheel and waterworks that were use to power industry in the 19th century.