Rochelle became known as the "Hub City" because its location at the intersection of major transportation routes made it a natural center for travel and commerce. Its role as a hub began with the railroads in 1854, when the Air Line Railroad was completed between Chicago and the town of Lane, the first name of Rochelle. Sixteen years later, the Chicago & Iowa Railroad was built through Rochelle and crossed directly over the Air Line Railroad between 11th Street and 12th Street, making this rail crossing a center of activity for tourists and business. Later, as the first transcontinental highway in the United States was developed, Rochelle sought to be part of new and better travel routes. The Lincoln Highway passed through Rochelle and intersected with the Meridian Highway, one of the first highways to run the full north and south route. On a map, these major routes within the city limits resembled the spokes of an old wagon wheel meeting at a hub, giving Rochelle its nickname.