Rockford, Minnesota is situated along the north banks of the Crow River and the Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, at its southern border.
Rockford is mostly in Wright County, although a small portion of the city extends into Hennepin County, across the Crow River at the city's east side. The Crow River is formed at Rockford by the confluence of its North Fork and its South Fork. Minnesota State Highway 55 passes through the center of town, in a northwest-southeast direction. Greenfield is about three miles east, Delano six miles southwest, Hanover seven miles northeast, Independence eight miles north-northwest, and Buffalo ten miles to the northwest.
Rockford was platted in 1857, but a post office has been in operation there since 1856. It was incorporated in 1881. There is some disagreement as to the origins of its name.
Some suggest that Rockford was named for the city by that name in Illinois. Although George Ames and Joel Florida were the first settlers in the region in 1855, another early settler was Cyrus C. Jenks, who came from Rockford, Illinois. After a debate over what to name the new township, the group settled on Jenk's suggestion to name it Rockford, for his hometown.
However, another story for its origins, which is repeated on the city's official website, is that it was named for a nearby ford on the Crow River which was rocky in nature. Perhaps the group of early settlers settled on Jenks' suggestion because of the existence of a rocky ford on the river.
Rockford was formed as a result of a campaign started in Saint Paul to attract settlers into the Minnesota Territory. In 1855, the territorial legislature approved the cutting of a road from Minneapolis west to the area that is now Rockford.
The new settlement was cut out of the "Big Woods," which was a thick forest at that time. Settlers dealt with concerns about Indian attacks, and crops were often ruined by swarms of grasshoppers. Early Rockford businesses included a sawmill, woolen mill, and a flour mill, all powered by a dam on the river.
Additional businesses were established to meet the needs of the settlers and those passing through, then the railroad came through Rockford in the 1880s, boosting the town's economy greatly.
Still, the town remained small for many years, its population first exceeding one thousand in the 1970s.
Topics related to Rockford, Minnesota are the focus of this category. Sites representing the city government or any other governmental agency located in Rockford, as well as local churches, schools, organizations, businesses, or people who reside in the city are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Sponsored by Derrick Monroe and Rockford Real Estate, the site offers a guide to the city of Rockford, Minnesota. Featured is a directory of local organizations, with links to websites, where applicable, as well as a calendar of regular events, a directory of local businesses and schools, and information about the various neighborhoods in Rockford. Volunteer opportunities are highlighted, and a blog offers local stories and other information. Rockford real estate availability is also discussed.
http://www.allaboutrockford.com/
The official municipal website features news items from or relating to the city, a calendar of upcoming events, city council meeting agendas, minutes, and video. Employment and volunteer opportunities are posted, and contacts, locations, and hours for its municipal offices are included. Other resources include an economic development statement, city ordinances and codes, city and park maps, a guide to area schools and churches, and downloadable forms and permit documents.
http://www.cityofrockford.org/
McCormick Construction Company
Founded in 1992, McC is an industrial construction contractor that provides general contacting services, millwrighting, concrete and crane services, as well as bulk material storage, handling, and processing for industries in agriculture, biofuels, mining, milling, and other industrial process facilities throughout the United States. Its products and services are featured, and its affiliations, subcontractors, and suppliers are acknowledged.
https://www.mccormickconstructio
Meeting at its facilities on Gilbert Avenue SE, the Rockford, Minnesota congregation meets on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. A schedule of weekly programs and services is published to the site, with news, announcements, and an events calendar. Featured is a historical timeline, a statement of beliefs, a new member guide, and employment opportunities. Its church partnerships, community outreach activities, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.ourfatherschurch.org/
Rockford Area Historical Society
Headquartered in the historic Ames-Florida-Stork House, built by George Ames in the early 1860s, the RAHS operates a museum in the Historic Registry property, and tours may be scheduled through the Society. Seasonal hours are posted to the site. Other services include presentations, home tours, walking tours, and other projects and programs. An overview of the Society and some of the people who were significant to the history of Rockford, Minnesota are featured.
https://www.rockfordmnhistory.org/
Headquartered in Rockford, Minnesota, the public school district operates three school buildings, an elementary school, middle school, and high school, serving students in grades K-12, encompassing all or parts of Rockford, Buffalo, Greenfield, and Corcoran. A district map and brochure may be viewed, and its school board is acknowledged, including board agendas, packets, and minutes. Its kindergarten and open enrollment policies are stated, and requirements for homeschooled children are stated.
https://www.rockford.k12.mn.us/
The history of the chiropractic clinic in Rockford, Minnesota is outlined, the current chiropractors and staff are introduced, and directions, hours of operation, and appointment policies are published to the site. Besides chiropractic care, DOT and high school physicals can be conducted, and physical therapy and nutrition counseling are offered. New patient information, client reviews, and a blog are included.
https://www.rockfordchiro.com/
The REF is a tax-exempt organization designed to enhance and provide educational experiences and projects for Rockford area school students, and to serve as a conduit between those who wish to contribute funds for the support of the school system and the school district. Event sponsors and auction donations are acknowledged, and its alumni programs, events, and fundraisers are featured. Memorials are highlighted.
http://www.rockfordfoundation.org/
Chartered in 1867, Star Lodge is an established lodge within Freemasonry, having been established by many of the city's founding fathers. A map shows the location of the lodge facilities, a calendar of events, and a mobile app is available for downloading for use in smartphones. A brief history, a gallery of photographs, and administrative contacts are included. General information on becoming a Freemason is given, and links to other Masonic sources are posted.
http://www.rockfordlodge.org/
Located in Rockford, Minnesota, the company manufactures and distributes vertical balers, horizontal balers, compactors, and recycling equipment. Its new and pre-owned equipment are featured, with photos, prices, and other information. Also offering baler and compactor repairs, trash chute door repairs, and other services which are outlined here, along with its parts departments. Manuals may also be available. Its location and contacts are included.
http://ver-tech.com/
Offering living room, bedroom, dining room, home office, and home entertainment furniture, mattresses, box springs, and appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and others. Its products and brands are featured in its online catalog, and purchases may be made from the site. Its location, hours of operation, special offers, and shipping policies are discussed.
https://www.verginfurnitureandappliancesales.com/
