Historic Neighborhood - 3rd Union College

Founded in 1847, Rockford Female Seminary, today's Rockford University (formerly Rockford College), brought growth and prosperity to the area surrounding its campus. Prominent citizens built stylish homes across from the campus. The college grew rapidly, attracting students of stature, including social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams. Only one building of the original college remains on Morgan Street at the river. The college eventually outgrew its campus and moved out of the neighborhood in 1964 and the homes fell into disrepair. Today, dedicated rehabbers are restoring the area's homes to their original grandeur. The former Rockford College president's home is among those undergoing extensive restoration.