Did you know these about Rockford?

We know that you count on us when it comes to supply you with surprises, and this time we went an extra mile to deliver some vital information about Rockford in Illinois. Astonishment came galore and we are sure that you would agree with us after reading out the below-shared facts and secrets about this enchanting city. These interesting facts about Rockford will compel you from miles away towards it. Have a glance below and see what the real Rockford is and what it has in its store for you.

• During its initial days, Rockford was known as ‘Midway’ due to its equidistant position from Galena and Chicago.
• In 1840, the first weekly newspaper was published in Rockford. The first daily newspaper was published in the city in 1877.
• In 1837, the first post-office was established in the city.
• The oldest surviving music club in the nation, namely, The Mendelssohn Club was established in the city in 1884.
• Due to elm trees galore, Rockford is nicknamed as ‘Forest City’.
• The city was founded by Thatcher Blake, Lewis Lemon, and Germanicus Kent in 1834.
• The city was named ‘Rockford’ in 1837.
• Rockford was established as a village in 1839.
• It was incorporated as a city in 1852.
• In 1852, the city witnessed the establishment of Galena & Chicago Union Railroad.
• Rockford is famed as the third largest of Illinois.
• Rockford Burns Club is famed as Rockford’s oldest social organization. It was established in 1858.
• The Booker Washington Center is famed as Rockford’s oldest community center. It was founded in 1916. It is also famed as United States’ oldest African-American community center.
• The band of Rockford High School is famed as United States’ one of the oldest bands. It was established in 1906.
• The world-renowned Nobel Laureate, i.e., Jane Addams was the student of Rockford University which was then known as Rockford College. He is also famed as the founder of Chicago's Hull House.
• Rockford Public School District, Chrysler (Belvidere Assembly Plant), and Swedish American Hospital are said to be the largest employers of Rockford.
• In 2012, Tinker Swiss Cottage, nestled in Rockford, was featured in one Ghost Hunters’ episode.
• The American Institute of Architects once named Coronado Theatre, nestled in Rockford, one of the 150 Great Places in the state.
• Forbes voted The Discovery Center Museum, nestling in Rockford, one of the 12 Best Children's Museums in the United States.
• Brovary, Ukraine; Changzhou, Jiangsu; Borgholm, Sweden; Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Ferentino, Italy; Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan; and Taszar, Hungary are the sister cities of Rockford.
• Rockford is famed as the 161st largest radio market situated in the nation.
• In 1835, the founder of Rush Medical College situated in Chicago, namely, Dr. Josiah Goodhue named the city ‘Rockford’.
• In 1852, Rockford witnessed the first train that was driven by engine Pioneer. This rail established connectivity between Chicago and Galena.
• In 1870, John Nelson invented seamless sock made by an automatic sock machine. This happened for the first time.
• The residents of Rockford are called ‘Rockfordians’.
• In 1880, horses became popularized as a major mode of transportation in the city in lieu of mules.
• In 1904, the city witnessed the establishment of first skyscrapers. It was built for Ashton’s Department Store.
• In 1917, the city was granted a right to build WWI training camp on its south side.
• In 1918, the first Swedish-American hospital was opened in the city.
• In 2004, a Japanese-style garden, established by John R. Anderson in 1978, was declared as North America’s finest Japanese garden.
• In 1989, Charles Box was elected as Rockford’s first African-American mayor.
• Jane The T-Rex, whose skeleton has been located in the Burpee Museum of Rockford, was nominated as one of the Seven Wonders in the state in 2007.
• Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House is famed as the only house in the state that was designed by a physically-challenged architect, namely, Frank Lloyd Wright.