Rockford in Winnebago County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Theodore Roosevelt

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 23, 2019

1. Theodore Roosevelt Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

When President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated Memorial Hall on June 3, 1903, it marked the first time that a sitting Chief Executive of the United States had visited Rockford. (Both Lincoln and Grant had come here during the 19th century, but neither was then in elected office.) Roosevelt's 1903 visit occasioned a large patriotic celebration. Enthusiastic crowds lined his route through the city. Roosevelt would visit Rockford again in 1912 while running for president on the Bull Moose ticket and later in 1917 to address soldiers at Camp Grant.

Cuando Theodore Roosevelt dedicó el Memorial Hall el 3 de junio de 1903, fue la primera vez que un Presidente en el cargo había visitado Rockford. La visita de 1903 dio lugar a una gran celebración durante la que un gentío entusiasta se agolpó a lo largo de su ruta por la ciudad. Roosevelt visitaría Rockford otras dos veces en 1912 y 1917.

Erected by Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events.

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In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 42° 10.957′ N, 89° 3.366′ W. Marker is in Rockford, Illinois, in Winnebago County. Marker is on New Milford School Road. Located near bridge at the Atwood Outdoor Education Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford IL 61109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Black Hawk (here, next to this marker); Stephen Mack (here, next to this marker); Former Camp Grant Rifle Range (approx. ¼ mile away); Field Bunkers (approx. ¼ mile away); Memorial Hall (approx. 6½ miles away); Stillman's Run Battle Site Memorial (approx. 8.1 miles away); Stillmans Defeat (approx. 8.1 miles away); The Stinson House (approx. 13.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockford.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, April 23, 2019

2. Theodore Roosevelt Marker

<i>President Theodore Roosevelt in Rockford, 1903</i> image. Click for full size.

Photo courtesy of the Rockford Public Library, June 3, 1903

3. President Theodore Roosevelt in Rockford, 1903

'President Roosevelt spoke at this dedication of Memorial Hall, 200 block North Main Street, on June 31, 1903. The structure honors veterans and the G.A.R. met here.'

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2019, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 5, 2019, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3. submitted on May 6, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.