Immigration Timeline

The immigration timeline for the Rock River Valley

  • Pre-1820s
    Native American nomadic tribes including the Sauk, Fox and Winnebago inhabited the area.
  • 1820s and 1830s
    The first settlers of European and African descent arrived on foot and by wagon. Scottish immigrants established settlements in Caledonia and Argyle.
  • 1840s and 1850s
    The railroad brought immigrants of Irish, German, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish descent.
  • 1860s to 1900s
    During the post Civil War era, waves of immigration joined the existing Swedish, Irish, English, German and Norwegian communities.
  • 1900s to 1930s
    Immigrants from Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Austria joined our community in large numbers.
  • 1940s and 1950s
    The "Great Migration" from the American South broadened our diverse ethnic mix and included the settlement of many African Americans in our community.
  • 1960s and 1970s
    Populations of Hispanics, Indians, Koreans and Filipinos grew within our area.
  • 1980s and 1990s
    The late 20th century saw the arrival of Asians and Eastern Europeans including immigrants from Vietnam, Laos, Albania,
    Bosnia, the former Yugoslavia and the Arab States.
  • 2000 and beyond
    As we dedicate this Peace Plaza, Rockford area children are speaking fifty-five different native languages. We pray that all children can grow up in peaceful communities where respect and tolerance for our differences are encouraged.

At Peace Plaza,
One World
Comes Together.

May Peace Prevail on Earth