The Rockford Preservation Society Inc. was organized in 1972 to stabilize and preserve the town of Rockford. The town of Rockford was established by a legislative act in 1789 and served as the county seat of Surry County until 1853. At that time, Surry County encompassed present day Yadkin County.

The town bustled with hotels, taverns, mills and general stores. As the county seat, Rockford became a commercial center, as well as, the hub of county and private business transactions. The town of Rockford was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1976; the Rockford Preservation Society was incorporated the same year. Today, Rockford represents a part of Surry County’s unique history.

Points of interest in Rockford include the Rockford Methodist Church and its fresco, "Come Unto Me," by artist Tony Griffin and the Rockford General Store. The church can be toured by appointment. Call 336-374-3825.

Directions to Rockford from Mount Airy: Take Highway 601 South 8 miles to the yellow blinking traffic light in Dobson. Turn left onto Rockford Road, go 3.5 miles to the red flashing traffic light at Highway 268. Go straight across Highway 268 and drive 7/10 mile. Just across the Fisher River Bridge, turn right. You are still traveling on Rockford Road. Go 1.6 miles to Stony Knoll. (Fire station is on the right.) Continue driving on Rockford Road for 4 miles. You will see Rockford General Store on the right.