Rockford (pop. 148,655; met. area pop. 338,798) is a manufacturing center and one of the largest cities in Illinois. The city lies on the Rock River, 17 miles (27 kilometers) south of the Wisconsin border. It is about halfway between Chicago and Dubuque, Iowa.
Rockford was once the nation’s leading producer of screw products (fasteners, nuts, and bolts). Rockford remains an important producer of metal products and machinery. Today, the area’s economy is driven by small businesses and the aerospace and service industries. Truck lines and freight railroads serve the area.
Rockford is known for its treelined streets, golf courses, extensive walking paths, and fine parks and public gardens. The city is home to Rockford University. The Burpee Museum of Natural History collection includes skeletons of Jane, a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, and Homer, a juvenile Triceratops, both discovered in Montana.
Rockford was founded in 1834 and became a city in 1852. Its original settlers were chiefly New Englanders, but large numbers of Swedes, Irish, Germans, and Italians arrived after 1850. Rockford has a mayor-council government and is the seat of Winnebago County.
