Freeport, Illinois is also known as "Pretzel City, USA" because of the heritage it's Germanic settlers, who settled there in the 1850s.
German settlers from Pennsylvania began arriving in the Freeport area in 1827. The settlers started a pretzel company in Freeport during that time.
Among them was William "Tutty" Baker. Baker was credited as the founder of Freeport. He built a trading post on the banks of the Pecatonica River.
Tutty Baker began operating a free ferry across the river and he also invited travelers into his home for free meals and lodging. Originally the city was called Winneshiek, but because of Baker's generosity it became known as 'Free Port'.
Freeport is home to several celebrities like Calista Flockhart (the star of the Fox Network's acclaimed "Ally McBeal" television show); Louella Parsons, the famous columnist; Deacon Davis of the Harlem Globetrotters and Preston Pearson, NFL football star.
Some of the homes in Freeport are more than 100 years old! The city and surrounding area offer a wide variety of attractions and recreation opportunities to visitors. For example, the city's high school has a Pretzel has a mascot to honor this unique heritage and Freeport High's athletic teams began to be referred to as the "Pretzels".
