Rockwell City

Rockwell City is a historic county seat with a vibrant past and promising future. Originally established as a central location for Calhoun County's government in 1876, the town experienced significant growth with the arrival of the railroad in 1882. Its rich history is evident in landmarks like the stunning 1914 courthouse and the iconic Rainbow Bridge, a cherished piece of Historic Highway 20. Today, Rockwell City seamlessly blends its historical charm with modern conveniences, making it a thriving community at the heart of Calhoun County. Rockwell City’s Calhoun County Courthouse grounds are home to the Calhoun County Freedom Rock. 

In 2024, Rockwell City began development of the Main Street Subdivision housing area. Six lots were developed for new homes in Rockwell City.

City History

When the Illinois Central Railroad was built in 1870, Calhoun County’s northern towns of Manson and Pomeroy had grown and become rivals of Lake City for the county seat. The issue came to a head in 1876, when citizens voted to relocate the courthouse near the center of the county. 

Rockwell City, platted on the only high ground within a one-mile radius of the center of the county, was founded and became the county seat. In 1880, town founder Mr. John M. Rockwell learned that F.M. Hubbell of Des Moines was bringing his railroad as far as Jefferson. Rockwell traveled to Des Moines and promised Hubbell half of the town lots if he would bring the railroad to Rockwell City. The first train arrived August 7, 1882, and the town’s population doubled that year.
     
Rockwell City remains a hub of county government, centered around the Calhoun County courthouse. This stunning building, which was built in 1914, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. So is the one-arch Rainbow Bridge designed by James Marsh and built east of town in 1915. 

The bridge is one of the main points of interest along Historic Highway 20 in Rockwell City. Since the town is also located near the modern, four-lane Highway 20, Rockwell City maintains strong ties to the past and the future. 

Content written by Darcy Maulsby, Lake City, author of the history book "Calhoun County" | darcymaulsby.com