1570Infrastructure
== Media ==
Local Freeport media includes WFRL Radio (1570 AM/104.3 FM), WFPS Radio (92.1 FM) and The Journal Standard daily newspaper.
1837Infrastructure
In 1837, Stephenson County was formed, and Freeport became its seat of government in 1838.
1840Government
In 1840, a frame courthouse was erected and the first school was founded.
1849Architecture
Freeport station opened in 1849 along the Chicago and North Western Railway, and was also shared by the Illinois Central Railroad starting in 1853.
1853Infrastructure
Within two years, Freeport had two newspapers, and in 1853, the two were joined by a third, which was published in German.
1858Infrastructure
Located along the Pecatonica River, Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln–Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular German bakery that beca...
1860Government
This enabled Abraham Lincoln to win the 1860 United States presidential election.
1868Economy
That earlier company began as early as 1868.
1869Government
In 1869, a German immigrant named John Billerbeck established the Billerbeck Bakery, which distributed so many pretzels to residents that the local newspaper later dubbed Freepo...
1885Economy
The Arcade Manufacturing Company had been in operation since 1885 when the previous Novelty Iron Works had gone out of business at the corner of Chicago and Jackson streets.
1892Disaster
After the 1892 fire, the Arcade Manufacturing Company built an entirely new factory in the Arcade Addition of East Freeport, where they produced coffee mills and other metal pro...
1893Infrastructure
Before February 1893, a large square of land was purchased from the former Keller-Wittbecker farm in East Freeport.
1903Architecture
A monument to the debate was dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt and stands at this site.
1911Sports
Taylor Park, a 74-acre (0.30 km2) park acquired in 1911, features three lighted softball fields, concession stand, basketball courts, picnic shelter and Abraham Lincoln statue.
1928History
This statue, located in the southwest section of the park, was sculpted in 1928–29 by Leonard Crunelle.
1929History
Its dedication on August 27, 1929, was attended by many notable guests, and was covered by newspapers across the country.
1948Military
Rawleigh and named after his son (who died during World War I), was deeded over to Freeport Park District on July 13, 1948.
1949Infrastructure
According to the State Climatologist, "the number of days Freeport has experienced heavy rainfall has steadily increased every decade since 1949." The city is seeking funding to...
1971History
Passenger service ceased upon the formation of Amtrak in 1971, but resumed in 1974 under the name Black Hawk.
1981History
Service ceased again on September 30, 1981.
1992History
A life-size statue recreating the event was dedicated in 1992.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,443 people, 11,222 households, and 6,845 families residing in the city.
2003Government
The city later capitalized on this nickname in 2003 by starting Freeport's first Pretzel Festival.
2017Infrastructure
It was renovated into Freeport's city hall and city offices were moved to Carnegie City Hall in February 2017.