Rockford, Illinois

About

Rockford is a city located in the county of Winnebago in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its population at the 2010 census was 152,871 and a population density of 915 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 144,835 inhabitants.

The city was created 190 years ago in 1833.

Rockford is a city located along the Rock River in northern Illinois, just south of the Wisconsin border. With a population of over 147,000 residents, it is the third largest city in Illinois behind Chicago and Aurora.

Early History

The Rockford area was first inhabited by Native American tribes like the Winnebago. The first European settlers arrived in the 1830s and founded the city of Rockford in 1834.

Rockford soon emerged as an important manufacturing hub. The river provided water power that enabled all kinds of industries like paper mills, furniture makers, and heavy machinery production. The city was also connected via rail to Chicago in 1852.

Major Manufacturing Center

By the early 1900s, Rockford had firmly established itself as a leading manufacturing center. Several major companies were founded and based in Rockford including Ingersoll Machine Tools and Rockford Silverplate Co.

Other major employers like automotive parts maker Woodward Inc. further strengthened Rockford's industrial base.

Arts and Culture

Beyond manufacturing, Rockford is also known for:

• The Burpee Museum of Natural History and Midway Village museum
• Coronado Theater - A historic vaudeville and movie palace
• Rockford Art Museum - Home to a noted collection of Americana art
• Local music scene that spawned bands like Cheap Trick

While industry has declined in recent decades, Rockford retains its blue-collar roots while rebuilding its economy and community.

Quick Facts about Rockford

Overview of eastern downtown Rockford image

Geography

Rockford is located at 42°16'16"N 89°5'38"W (42.2711300, -89.0940000).

Rockford map

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People born in Rockford, including writer and television show creator Shawn Ryan, boxer Kenneth Gould, singer and member of Destiny's Child Michelle Williams, .

List

• Ginger Lynn (American movie actress) she was born in 14/12/1962
• Steve Cherundolo (American soccer player) he was born in 19/02/1979
• James Cartwright (United States Marine Corps general) he was born in 22/09/1949
• James Henry Breasted (American archaeologist, egyptologist and historian) he was born in 27/08/1865
• Alston Scott Householder (American mathematician) he was born in 05/05/1904
• Bun E. Carlos (American musician) he was born in 12/06/1950
• Gordon Tullock (American economist) he was born in 16/02/1922
• Thomas G. Doran (Catholic bishop) he was born in 20/02/1936
• Charles Henry Gilbert (American ichthyologist) he was born in 05/12/1859
• Leland Ossian Howard (American entomologist) he was born in 11/06/1857
• Ed Viesturs (American mountain climber) he was born in 22/07/1959
• Kasey James (American professional wrestler) he was born in 20/03/1982
• John B. Anderson (American politician (1922-2017)) he was born in 15/02/1922
• Stewart Brand (American writer) he was born in 14/12/1938
• Jodi Benson (American voice actress, actress, and singer) she was born in 10/10/1961
• Chad Knaus (NASCAR crew chief) he was born in 05/08/1971
• Rick Nielsen (American musician) he was born in 22/12/1948
• Denny Christianson (American musician) he was born in 12/09/1942

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