Chronology of Rockford
| 1839 | The first white settler arrived here. |
| 1840 |
Smith Lapham started to build a dam here
with the assistance of the Hunter brothers. |
| 1842 | The first sawmill was erected. |
| 1844 | The first planning mill was erected. |
| 1845 | Smith Lapham established the post office. |
| 1847 | Rev. Ballard started the Congregational Church. |
| 1848 | White and Rathbun opened the first store. |
| 1852 | Chase and Judson built a grist mill. |
| 1853 | Rev. Bartlett organized the Methodist Church. |
| 1854 | Rev. Covey organized the Baptist Church. |
| 1856 | The first plat of the village was made. |
| 1863 | W. F. Jameson organized the Spiritualist Church. |
| 1865 | Village was replatted. |
| 1865 | Name changed from Laphamville to Rockford. |
| 1866 | Rockford became incorporated. |
| 1866 | The G. R. & I. Railroad was built. |
| 1868 | Masonic Lodge No. 246 was started here. |
| 1870 | Eastern Star Lodge was formed. |
| 1871 | The old brick school house was built. |
| 1871 | Tabor Sash and Door factory was built. |
| 1871 | Rockford Registerw as published by Chas. Cowdin. |
| 1873 | The O. F. Hyde Bank was established |
| 1874 | The Oddfellow Lodge was instituted. |
| 1875 | The W.C.T.U. was organized. |
| 1876 | The G.A.R. formed the Webber post here. |
| 1877 | The Rockford Reform Club was organized. |
| 1878 | The Good Templar lodge was organized. |
| 1878 | The Big fire consumed the town. |
Transcriber: Jennifer Godwin
Created: 4 February 2000