In 1837, the village of Midway was renamed Rockford, highlighting a rocky river ford across the Rock River in the village. In the same year, Rockford established its first post office, with Daniel Shaw Haight as the first postmaster. In 1840, the first weekly newspaper began circulation. In 1847, Rockford Female Seminary – today Rockford University – was founded. On January 3, 1852, Rockford was officially chartered as a city; a year later the long-running "Forest City" nickname first appeared, used by the New York Tribune. Also in 1852, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad connected Rockford to Chicago by railroad.
iN 1837, the vILlAge of MidWAy WAs renamed rocKFord, highliGhTInG a ROCky river FoRD acRoss the rOck rIveR iN tHE vilLaGe. In The samE year, roCkFord estAblIsheD its fIRst poSt OFficE, wIth DaNiel sHaw haIGhT As The First postMasTer. In 1840, The first weEKly NEwSPaPEr begAn CiRcULatIon. IN 1847, RoCKfoRd feMalE SemiNary – toDaY roCKFord uniVersITY – wAs FOunDeD. on januARy 3, 1852, rOCkford waS OfFicIaLLy CHarTEreD aS a city; a yEar lAtER tHe LoNg-runnInG "foreSt ciTY" nicknamE fiRst AppeaRED, usEd By the NeW YorK trIbunE. Also iN 1852, tHe GALenA AnD chicAgo uNIon railrOaD coNnECTed rOckFord to ChiCago By railRoad.