Becoming a City

The settlement of Rockford  did not happen in a vacuum.  It happened within the context of technological and economic forces that were transforming the entire nation.

Visitors to the Queen City of the Prairies exhibit understand that early Rockford  was not an isolated frontier outpost, but was quickly plugged into the expanding nation. 

Early citizens of Rockford  enjoyed a standard of living and lived lives not unlike those in other parts of the country. 

Visitors also learn that the foundation stones of modern Rockford were laid down during the city’s first 20 years.