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by Tim McGrew (Author)
Harlem Township was once the home of early settlers from areas like Harlem, New York, and Argyllshire, Scotland. These settlers' legacy lives on in the names of local landmarks and places like Argyle Presbyterian Church, Harlem High School, Harlem Road, and Harlem Community Center. Much of the area known as Harlem Township was once called Low Bottom by Native American Indians. The area was also referred to as North Park until incorporation in 1981. North Park was once an area dotted by cottage-style homes located on the picturesque valley of the Rock River. Rock Cut State Park draws millions of people from all over the state and offers camping, hiking trails, walking paths, sailing, fishing, and occasionally special events. Nearby Rockford Speedway has been home to the National Short Track Championships since 1966 and is currently one of only two NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in Illinois. The area now known as Machesney Park played an important role in pioneer aviation with what would become the original Rockford Airport, later renamed Machesney Airport. Harlem Township offers up vibrant living for those who crave a little bit of everything all in one place.
