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Rockford, Illinois

Located in Winnebago County, Illinois, Rockford was established in 1834. Rockford Peaches were in A League of Their Own. Once rivaled Grand Rapids in furniture.

Founded 1834 | Population 146,881 | Peak 146,881 (2024) | County Winnebago County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Rockford, Illinois

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1884Furniture Capital: Rivals Grand Rapids in furniture production.

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1940WWII Production Boom: Factories convert to wartime.

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1943Rockford Peaches Founded: WWII women's baseball team.

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1981Manufacturing Decline: Recession and offshoring begin.

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2023Revitalization Efforts: Downtown and riverfront investment.

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Latest News in Rockford

Feb 20, 2026

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Complete Historical Timeline

1884 Industry

Furniture Capital

1940 Industry

WWII Production Boom

1943 Sports

Rockford Peaches Founded

1981 Business

Manufacturing Decline

2023 Business

Revitalization Efforts

Did You Know?

Rockford Peaches were in A League of Their Own.

Once rivaled Grand Rapids in furniture.

Sock monkey invented here from Nelson Knitting socks.

Rockford is located in Winnebago County, Illinois.

Rockford was founded in 1834.

Famous People from Rockford, Illinois

Jodi Benson

Teacher, Singer · Born Oct 10, 1961 · Age 64

James Henry Breasted

Pharmacist, Historian · Born Aug 27, 1865 · Died Dec 2, 1935 (age 70)

Steve Cherundolo

Association Football Coach, Association Football Player · Born Feb 19, 1979 · Age 47

Virgil Abloh

Composer, Architect · Born Sep 30, 1980 · Died Nov 28, 2021 (age 41)

Michelle Williams

Actor, Composer · Born Jul 23, 1979 · Age 46

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