Rockford, Illinois was given permission by President John Adams to establish settlements in 1828. Therefore, in 1829 Stephen Mack founded Bird’s Grove and Macktown.

Rockford, Illinois was attacked by Indians during 1832. The Indian tribes were led by Chief Black Hawk. Daniel Shaw Haight began another settlement during 1835; he was sheriff and first postmaster of this colony. Rockford received its permanent name from Dr. J.C. Goodhue.

Rockford, Illinois’ first newspaper was called the Rock River Express. In 1846, and Iron Foundry sparked the economy of Rockford.  Gunite Foundries originated during 1854. 1856 marks the time period when Attorney Abraham Lincoln came to Rockford for John Manny’s lawsuit against Cyrus McCormick.

A.G. Spaulding was a pitcher for the Forest City Nine. Amos W. Woodward started the Woodward Governor Company. Andrew C. Johnson erected Rockford’s Forest City Furniture Company. C.C. Smith started the Smith Oil and Refining Company. During 1879, President Grant toured Nelson Knitting Machine.

Sammy Mandell became the World’s Lightweight Boxing Champ in 1926. During 1935, Amelia Earhart toured Rockford.