Lincoln Highway

—Hub City —

Rochelle was a natural forefront to major automobile transportation and grew to earn the name of the "Hub City" because of its location at the intersection of several major transportation routes.

The "Hub" began with the railroads in Rochelle in 1854 when the Air Line Railroad was completed between Chicago and the town of Lane (Lane was the first name of Rochelle). The Chicago & Iowa Railroad was built through Rochelle 16 years later and crossed directly over the Air Line Railroad between 11th Street and 12th Street. This rail crossing location made Rochelle a center of activity for tourists and business.

When it came time for the first transcontinental highway in the United States the community of Rochelle possessed a strong desire to be involved in the development of new and better travel. The Lincoln Highway passed through Rochelle intersecting with one of the first highways to run the full north and south route the Meridian High way. When viewed on a map the intersection of all these major transportation routes within the city limits appeared much like the spokes and an old wagon wheel meeting at its hub and thus earning the nickname "Hub City".

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