Traditionally referred to as the “Forest City,” Rockford is the third largest city in Illinois, home to about 150,000 people. The city was first settled in 1834 by Germanicus Kent, Lewis Lemon, and Thatcher Blake, who came from Galena and established themselves on the west bank of Rock River; and Daniel Shaw Haight, who founded a settlement on the east bank. Rockford was originally named “Midway,” for its position half-way between Chicago and Galena. Before long, however, the settlement quickly became known for the ford across the Rock River.

Rockford remained a sleepy country village until the early 1850s. In 1851, the Rockford Water Power Company was organized and the next year the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad reached the city. These two events brought inexpensive power and transportation to the area and changed Rockford forever. By 1861, Rockford had become a prosperous, growing industrial center. Then, two decades later, the furniture industry began with the help of Swedish craftsmen and capitalists. By the turn of the 20th century, Rockford was the second largest furniture making center in the United States.

However, just as Rockford was reaching its peak, it was struck by the Great Depression. Many of the industries were severely damaged during this time, including the furniture industry which, by the end of the 1960s, was extinct from the city. On the other hand, the Great Depression also brought some measures of hope. For instance, to provide jobs for the poor, Burpee Museum was established and built.

This measure of hope survived the Depression and allowed Rockford to recover from it. But the recovery was interrupted in the late 1930s, when World War II broke out. Camps designed to train soldiers in the war were established throughout the nation, including Camp Grant, located on the outskirts of Rockford. Hundreds of soldiers resided at this camp during the war, and with their migration to Rockford, they brought with them many companies and franchises designed to entertain them when not on duty. When the war ended, and the Camp was closed; however, the companies remained and continued to provide Rockford with entertainment for many years to come.

As the 20th Century progressed, Rockford’s industry grew to revolve around machinery and aerospace engineering. Many intriguing and vital inventions were invented during this period, including the Nelson knitting machine (see pictures of the sock monkeys in Midway’s gallery), electric brake, electronic dartboard, airbrush, and the electric garage door opener. These inventions drew many to the Rockford area in the hopes of sharing in the successes of many of its residents, successes that continue today.

Jason Febery
Designer and Student Leader