FUN FACT: How City of Rockford, Illinois Got Its Name

Ah, Rockford—the accidental midway stop that nobody asked for but everyone now loves. Back in the early 1830s, three intrepid travelers from Galena decided to plop down here, likely because they were tired of trudging between Chicago and Galena without a decent rest stop.

Little did they know, they were planting the seeds for what would become the “Forest City.”

Nestled conveniently between two more exciting destinations, Rockford quickly became the perfect spot for pioneers to rest, refuel, and reconsider their life choices. Today, we like to think of it as more than just a midpoint—it’s a destination in its own right. You know, the kind of place those 1830s travelers would’ve stayed if hotels with pools had been a thing back then.

Let's cover a quick piece of Rockford history and a birthday announcement.

The City of Rockford was Chartered in 1852

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Illinois Constitution Test

My daughter came home during her last week of high school and shared (with a laugh) that she was glad to have passed the constitution test and another similar test about Illinois.

I'm guessing that my phone heard that conversation because the next time I was online, I saw several things about Illinois's history, specifically Rockford, where I live.

Guess what fundamental question about Rockford I couldn't answer?

Let me give you the tiny bit of knowledge I wish I had before reading how Rockford got its name. You're going to need to know that a 'Ford' is not just a vehicle manufacturer

What is a 'ford' across a river?

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As a verb - ford - describes crossing a body of water on foot at a shallow point or driving across it in a vehicle. The idea is that you're not using a bridge or a boat to cross the water.

The noun - ford - means a shallow point in a river or stream.

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So...

How did Rockford, Illinois get its name?

GoRockford.com had the answer I was seeking. As I mentioned earlier, three individuals settled in the city of Rockford in the early 1830s. Rockford was settled in 1834-1835 by Germanicus Kent, Thatcher Blake, and Lewis Lemon.

Rockford was the halfway point between Galena and Chicago, and for a little while, the area was referred to as, "Midway." That name didn't last long as the area became well-known for having an excellent FORD across the ROCK River.

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