Rockford, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rockford
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Rockford's Main Street, with city hall on the left
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| Counties | Wright, Hennepin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.60 sq mi (6.73 km2) |
| • Land | 2.53 sq mi (6.54 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,500 |
| • Density | 1,781.47/sq mi (687.79/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
55373
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| Area code(s) | 763 |
| FIPS code | 27-55006 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0650206 |
| Website | www.cityofrockford.org |
Rockford is a city located in Minnesota, a state in the United States. It is mostly in Wright County, but a small part reaches into Hennepin County. In 2020, about 4,500 people lived there. Rockford is part of the larger Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. Minnesota State Highway 55 is a major road that runs through the city.
Contents
History of Rockford
Early Settlements and Native Peoples
Long ago, between 500 and 1500 years ago, Native American groups lived in the area that is now Rockford. You can still find signs of their presence, like old burial mounds. There was also a trail that ran under the Bridge Street Bridge.
This area was a natural meeting point between the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes. Both tribes used the land for hunting and for staying during the winter. While the Dakota people used the area more often, there was also an Ojibwe village nearby, close to modern-day Dayton, along the Crow River.
Arrival of New Settlers
As more settlers moved into Wisconsin, the Ho-Chunk people were moved west and settled near Rockford. There was an idea to create a special area for them, but some people worried because it was so close to Minneapolis, which was growing fast.
In 1851, the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux opened up this land for new settlers. By 1854, land plots were ready for people to buy and build their homes.
Founding the Mill Town
In 1855, two brothers-in-law, George F. Ames and Joel Florida, came from Illinois. They traveled up the Crow River with a carpenter named Guildford D. George. Their goal was to start a town with mills. Soon, Rockford had several successful mills, including a lumber mill, a flour mill, and a saw mill.
A few years later, in 1859, the first U.S. troops sent to Minnesota came to Rockford. This was because of a period of unrest in the area known as the Wright County War. During the Dakota War of 1862 in 1862 and again in 1863, a protective fort was built in the town.
Rockford officially became a city in 1881. A railroad line was completed through the town in 1886, which helped it grow even more.
Geography and Rivers
Land and Water Areas
According to the United States Census Bureau, Rockford covers a total area of about 2.67 square miles (6.92 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 2.61 square miles (6.76 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 0.06 square miles (0.16 square kilometers) is water.
The Crow River
The Crow River is an important natural feature in Rockford. It is formed right in the city where its North Fork and South Fork rivers join together.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 159 | — | |
| 1900 | 340 | — | |
| 1910 | 287 | −15.6% | |
| 1920 | 324 | 12.9% | |
| 1930 | 287 | −11.4% | |
| 1940 | 270 | −5.9% | |
| 1950 | 369 | 36.7% | |
| 1960 | 533 | 44.4% | |
| 1970 | 730 | 37.0% | |
| 1980 | 2,408 | 229.9% | |
| 1990 | 2,665 | 10.7% | |
| 2000 | 3,484 | 30.7% | |
| 2010 | 4,316 | 23.9% | |
| 2020 | 4,500 | 4.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
How Many People Live Here?
In 2010, there were 4,316 people living in Rockford. These people made up 1,622 households, and 1,147 of those were families. The city had about 1,653 people per square mile (638 people per square kilometer). There were also 1,693 housing units, which are places where people live.
Who Lives in Rockford?
Most of the people in Rockford (94.1%) were White. Other groups included 1.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, and 1.3% Asian. About 1.9% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
About 40.3% of households had children under 18 living with them. Many households (52.7%) were married couples living together. About 22.1% of households were single people living alone. The average household had 2.66 people, and the average family had 3.13 people.
The average age of people in Rockford was 34.7 years old. About 28.5% of residents were under 18, and 6.6% were 65 or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (49.4%) and females (50.6%).
Education in Rockford
Rockford Public Schools
The main school system in the city is Rockford Public Schools. It includes three different schools:
- An elementary school for students from preschool to 4th grade. This school focuses a lot on arts programs.
- A middle school for students in grades 5 through 8.
- A high school for students in grades 9 through 12. The middle and high schools focus more on technology.
For the past four years, the high school has scored higher than the state average in mathematics.
School District History
The Rockford School District was first created on September 6, 1856. The very first school building was built by 1860. In the 1960s, the school district was reorganized and became what is now known as Independent School District #883.
Notable People from Rockford
- Joel McKinnon Miller: He is an American actor who was born in Rockford.
See also
In Spanish: Rockford (Minnesota) para niños
