Rochelle is a city in Ogle and Lee counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,446 at the 2020 census. Rochelle is approximately west of Chicago and south of Rockford.
History
Originally named "Lane", the town sits at the intersection of two rail lines, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific. Having a number of granaries holding corn, wheat and other crops for shipping eastward, the town was an important rail link for farmers.
After World War II, Rochelle grew, becoming a center for Swift Meat Packing and Del Monte canned vegetables such as asparagus, corn, green beans, and peas.
The community is home to the popular Rochelle Railroad Park where visitors from across the country come to watch passing trains at the intersection of the BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads.
On April 9, 2015, parts of the city suffered damage when an EF4 tornado struck near the outskirts of the town.
Geography
Rochelle is located along the Kyte River (commonly, if inaccurately, known to most locals as "Kyte Creek"). It is also located near the junction of Interstates 39 and 88.
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Rochelle has a total area of , of which (or 99.86%) is land and (or 0.14%) is water. Located primarily in Ogle County, a portion extends into neighboring Lee County.