Rockford, Illinois Spring, 1997 Numerous agricultural field patterns are visible in this southwest-looking view. The terrain of this portion of Illinois is gently rolling to flat. The major crops grown are corn and soybeans. Just below the center portion of the image, is the city of Rockford. Located on the Rock River, Rockford is the trade, processing, and shipping hub of this extensive agricultural region. The city was founded in 1834 on the site of a battlefield during the Black Hawk Indian War.