27-02-2025
Did you know? Rockford's Camp Grant gave rise to city's thriving black community
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — What is now the Chicago Rockford Airport used to be the site of Camp Grant, one of the largest U.S. Army training camps, housing thousands of soldiers during World War I, including thousands of black soldiers.
The camp was opened in 1917.
Six thousand African American soldiers arrived at Camp Grant as part of the 92nd Buffalo Soldier Infantry Division, forever changing the demographics of the community.
'By spring it was up to almost 8,000 black troops. And by the following October of 1918, there were more than 13,000,' said Midway Village Museum curator Laura Furman.
The camp, like America at the time, was segregated and the black soldiers were relegated to one area of the facility.
'The southwest part of camp was set aside with barracks specifically for black troops. They also had their own post exchange where they could do their shopping,' Furman said.
After the war ended, the soldiers returned home as silent heroes and found themselves facing another struggle.
Many did not want to return to the South, and stayed in Rockford.
David Ruffin, curator of Rockford's Ethnic Heritage Museum, explained, 'With Rockford being a very factory-oriented town, they needed workers and unskilled laborers and they could get them a cheaper price.'
The influx gave rise to black neighborhoods on the city's southwest side. The Booker Washington Association from the prior 'Colored Soldier's Club' on S. Main Street.
'The black community … stepped forward and said we need to do more for the black soldiers at Camp Grant who … need support,' Ruffin said, catering to a population that created a community that still exists in Rockford today.
Midway Village Museum, at 6799 Guilford Road, has opened an exhibit on Camp Grant which features artifacts, interactive displays, and rare footage of the camp.
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