Ask a thousand people and they’ll give you a thousand reasons why this corner of the Old Northwest Territory is the best place in the world to live, work and play. Paul Anthony Arco asks local leaders why they love their region.

At the dawn of the 20th century, Rockford was a booming town, driven by many Swedish immigrants, including PA Peterson. Jon McGinty explores the history of Rockford’s greatest philanthropist, whose influence is still felt today.

It’s been central to life in Dixon for longer than anyone can remember. Karla Nagy traces the history of this historic building and reveals its new, 21st-century life.

Chicago was a young and wild city when it hosted the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Discover how traces of the magnificent White City and its treasures are still visible around Chicagoland, and what contribution Rockford played.