Rock Island, Illinois | |
---|---|
Motto(s): Rock Solid, Rock Island | |
Coordinates: 41°29′21″N 90°34′23″W / 41.48917°N 90.57306°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Illinois |
County | Rock Island |
Incorporated | 1841 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Mike Thoms |
Area | |
• City | 17.07 sq mi (44.22 km2) |
• Land | 16.87 sq mi (43.70 km2) |
• Water | 0.20 sq mi (0.53 km2) |
Population (2020) | |
• City | 37,108 |
• Density | 2,199.51/sq mi (849.23/km2) |
• Metro | 384,324 (US: 147th) |
• CSA | 474,019 (US: 90th) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
ZIP Codes | 61201, 61204, 61264, 61299 |
Area code | 309 |
FIPS code | 17-65078 |
Interstate Spurs | I-280 |
Website | http://www.rigov.org/ http://www.rocksolidrockisland.com/ |
Rock Island is a city in and the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States.[2] The population was 37,108 at the 2020 census.[3] Located at the confluence of the Rock and Mississippi rivers, it is one of the Quad Cities along with neighboring Moline and East Moline in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Quad Cities had a population of 384,324 in 2020. The city is home to Rock Island Arsenal, the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the US, which employs 6,000 people.[4] The original Rock Island, from which the city name is derived, is now called Arsenal Island.[5]
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Illinois Adventure #1501 "Rock Island Arsenal Museum"
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Rock Island Arsenal M15 General Officer's Model
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Our second contest of the summer!
Transcription
>>> IT WAS HERE THAT HUNDREDS DIED OF DISEASE AND COLD. HERE MURDERERS TOOK THE LIFE OF DIED OF DISEASE AND COLD. HERE MURDERERS TOOK THE LIFE OF A FOUNDING FATHER AND HERE THE HERE MURDERERS TOOK THE LIFE OF A FOUNDING FATHER AND HERE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WAS FIRST A FOUNDING FATHER AND HERE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER WAS FIRST BRIDGED. MISSISSIPPI RIVER WAS FIRST BRIDGED. IT IS ALSO A PLACE THAT HAS BRIDGED. IT IS ALSO A PLACE THAT HAS HELPED ARM AND SUPPLY U.S. IT IS ALSO A PLACE THAT HAS HELPED ARM AND SUPPLY U.S. MILITARY TROOPS SINCE THE CIVIL HELPED ARM AND SUPPLY U.S. MILITARY TROOPS SINCE THE CIVIL WAR. MILITARY TROOPS SINCE THE CIVIL WAR. HELLO. WAR. HELLO. I AM JIM WILHELM. HELLO. I AM JIM WILHELM. SURROUNDED BY THE QUAD CITIES I AM JIM WILHELM. SURROUNDED BY THE QUAD CITIES AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS SURROUNDED BY THE QUAD CITIES AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS THIS ISLAND. AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS THIS ISLAND. TODAY IT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE THIS ISLAND. TODAY IT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE LAST GOVERNMENT OWNED ARSENALS, TODAY IT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE LAST GOVERNMENT OWNED ARSENALS, AND ITS HISTORY BEGINS AT THE LAST GOVERNMENT OWNED ARSENALS, AND ITS HISTORY BEGINS AT THE END OF THE WAR OF 1812. AND ITS HISTORY BEGINS AT THE END OF THE WAR OF 1812. DURING THAT WAR, TWO OF THE END OF THE WAR OF 1812. DURING THAT WAR, TWO OF THE WESTERN MOST BATTLES WERE FOUGHT DURING THAT WAR, TWO OF THE WESTERN MOST BATTLES WERE FOUGHT NEAR HERE. WESTERN MOST BATTLES WERE FOUGHT NEAR HERE. SO AFTER THE WAR, IT WAS DECIDED NEAR HERE. SO AFTER THE WAR, IT WAS DECIDED TO CONSTRUCT A A SERIES OF FORTS SO AFTER THE WAR, IT WAS DECIDED TO CONSTRUCT A A SERIES OF FORTS ALONG THE UPPER PORTION OF THE TO CONSTRUCT A A SERIES OF FORTS ALONG THE UPPER PORTION OF THE RIVER, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT THE ALONG THE UPPER PORTION OF THE RIVER, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT THE SETTLERS, BUT HALT THE INVASION RIVER, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT THE SETTLERS, BUT HALT THE INVASION OF BRITISH AND FRENCH FUR SETTLERS, BUT HALT THE INVASION OF BRITISH AND FRENCH FUR TRAPPERS. OF BRITISH AND FRENCH FUR TRAPPERS. ONE OF THOSE WAS FORT ARMSTRONG TRAPPERS. ONE OF THOSE WAS FORT ARMSTRONG WHICH LATER GAINED PROMINENCE ONE OF THOSE WAS FORT ARMSTRONG WHICH LATER GAINED PROMINENCE WHEN IT SERVED AS MILITARY WHICH LATER GAINED PROMINENCE WHEN IT SERVED AS MILITARY HEADQUARTERS FOR THE BLACKHAWK WHEN IT SERVED AS MILITARY HEADQUARTERS FOR THE BLACKHAWK WAR OF 1832. HEADQUARTERS FOR THE BLACKHAWK WAR OF 1832. TODAY, THE SITE IS MARKED BY WAR OF 1832. TODAY, THE SITE IS MARKED BY THIS RECREATED BLOCKHOUSE TODAY, THE SITE IS MARKED BY THIS RECREATED BLOCKHOUSE ERECTED IN 1916 ON TS FORT'S THIS RECREATED BLOCKHOUSE ERECTED IN 1916 ON TS FORT'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY. ERECTED IN 1916 ON TS FORT'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY. AFTER THE WAR, THE FORT BECAME 100TH ANNIVERSARY. AFTER THE WAR, THE FORT BECAME AN ORDINANCE DEPOT FOR THE AFTER THE WAR, THE FORT BECAME AN ORDINANCE DEPOT FOR THE WESTERN REGION, SORT OF AFORE AN ORDINANCE DEPOT FOR THE WESTERN REGION, SORT OF AFORE RUNNER OF THE ISLAND'S WESTERN REGION, SORT OF AFORE RUNNER OF THE ISLAND'S EVENTUAL RUNNER OF THE ISLAND'S EVENTUAL MISSION, A MISSION THAT CAME EVENTUAL MISSION, A MISSION THAT CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF ANOTHER MISSION, A MISSION THAT CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF ANOTHER CONFLICT. ABOUT BECAUSE OF ANOTHER CONFLICT. THIS TIME IT WAS THE CIVIL WAR. CONFLICT. THIS TIME IT WAS THE CIVIL WAR. AFTER THE LOSS OF THE HARPER'S THIS TIME IT WAS THE CIVIL WAR. AFTER THE LOSS OF THE HARPER'S FERRY ARSENAL, CONGRESS AFTER THE LOSS OF THE HARPER'S FERRY ARSENAL, CONGRESS ESTABLISHED SITES FOR THREE NEW FERRY ARSENAL, CONGRESS ESTABLISHED SITES FOR THREE NEW FACILITIES. ESTABLISHED SITES FOR THREE NEW FACILITIES. ROCK ISLAND WAS THE WESTERN MOST FACILITIES. ROCK ISLAND WAS THE WESTERN MOST LOCATION CHOSEN. ROCK ISLAND WAS THE WESTERN MOST LOCATION CHOSEN. AND ALTHOUGH CONSTRUCTION OF LOCATION CHOSEN. AND ALTHOUGH CONSTRUCTION OF THESE BUILDINGS DIDN'T BEGIN AND ALTHOUGH CONSTRUCTION OF THESE BUILDINGS DIDN'T BEGIN UNTIL AFTER THE WAR, THE ISLAND THESE BUILDINGS DIDN'T BEGIN UNTIL AFTER THE WAR, THE ISLAND DID PLAY A PART. UNTIL AFTER THE WAR, THE ISLAND DID PLAY A PART. JUST OFF THE MAIN ROAD IS THIS DID PLAY A PART. JUST OFF THE MAIN ROAD IS THIS CEMETERY THAT CONTAINS THE JUST OFF THE MAIN ROAD IS THIS CEMETERY THAT CONTAINS THE REMAINS OF CLOSE TO 2,000 CEMETERY THAT CONTAINS THE REMAINS OF CLOSE TO 2,000 CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS CAPTURED REMAINS OF CLOSE TO 2,000 CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS CAPTURED DURING THE BATTLES OF LOOK OUT CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS CAPTURED DURING THE BATTLES OF LOOK OUT MOUNTAIN AND MISSIONARY RIDGE IN DURING THE BATTLES OF LOOK OUT MOUNTAIN AND MISSIONARY RIDGE IN TENNESSEE. MOUNTAIN AND MISSIONARY RIDGE IN TENNESSEE. THEY BEGAN ARRIVING AT THE TENNESSEE. THEY BEGAN ARRIVING AT THE PRISON CAMP IN DECEMBER OF 1863. THEY BEGAN ARRIVING AT THE PRISON CAMP IN DECEMBER OF 1863. AS IN MOST PRISONS OF THAT TIME, PRISON CAMP IN DECEMBER OF 1863. AS IN MOST PRISONS OF THAT TIME, DISEASE AND WINTER'S COLD TOOK A AS IN MOST PRISONS OF THAT TIME, DISEASE AND WINTER'S COLD TOOK A DEVASTATING TOLL. DISEASE AND WINTER'S COLD TOOK A DEVASTATING TOLL. ON DISPLAY AT THE ARSENAL ISLAND DEVASTATING TOLL. ON DISPLAY AT THE ARSENAL ISLAND MUSEUM ARE PHOTOS OF THE PRISON ON DISPLAY AT THE ARSENAL ISLAND MUSEUM ARE PHOTOS OF THE PRISON ALONG WITH PICTURES DRAWN BY THE MUSEUM ARE PHOTOS OF THE PRISON ALONG WITH PICTURES DRAWN BY THE PRISONERS DEPICTING CAMP LIFE. ALONG WITH PICTURES DRAWN BY THE PRISONERS DEPICTING CAMP LIFE. TO EARN EXTRA MONEY FOR FOOD AND PRISONERS DEPICTING CAMP LIFE. TO EARN EXTRA MONEY FOR FOOD AND TOBACCO, PRISONERS WHO WERE TO EARN EXTRA MONEY FOR FOOD AND TOBACCO, PRISONERS WHO WERE CRAFTS MEN WERE ALLOWED TO MAKE TOBACCO, PRISONERS WHO WERE CRAFTS MEN WERE ALLOWED TO MAKE OBJECTS TO SELL TO THE GUARDS CRAFTS MEN WERE ALLOWED TO MAKE OBJECTS TO SELL TO THE GUARDS AND CIVILIANS. OBJECTS TO SELL TO THE GUARDS AND CIVILIANS. ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE ITEMS AND CIVILIANS. ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE ITEMS SOLD WAS THIS VIOLIN MADE BY ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATE ITEMS SOLD WAS THIS VIOLIN MADE BY PRIVATE E PURDUE OF THE 7TH SOLD WAS THIS VIOLIN MADE BY PRIVATE E PURDUE OF THE 7TH FLORIDA INFANTRY. PRIVATE E PURDUE OF THE 7TH FLORIDA INFANTRY. THE GUARDS WERE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA INFANTRY. THE GUARDS WERE MEMBERS OF THE 108'S COLORED TROOPS, MANY OF THE GUARDS WERE MEMBERS OF THE 108'S COLORED TROOPS, MANY OF WHOM WERE FORMER SLAVES. 108'S COLORED TROOPS, MANY OF WHOM WERE FORMER SLAVES. LIKE THEIR CHARGES, MANY OF THEM WHOM WERE FORMER SLAVES. LIKE THEIR CHARGES, MANY OF THEM DIED FROM CAMP DISEASES. LIKE THEIR CHARGES, MANY OF THEM DIED FROM CAMP DISEASES. THEIR REMAINS ARE NOW LOCATED IN DIED FROM CAMP DISEASES. THEIR REMAINS ARE NOW LOCATED IN WHAT IS CALLED THE ROCK ISLAND THEIR REMAINS ARE NOW LOCATED IN WHAT IS CALLED THE ROCK ISLAND NATIONAL CEMETERY. >> WELCOME BACK TO THE ARSENAL MUSEUM WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE MISSIONS FULFILLED HERE HAVE MUSEUM WHICH DEMONSTRATES THE MISSIONS FULFILLED HERE HAVE BEEN QUITE DIVERSE. MISSIONS FULFILLED HERE HAVE BEEN QUITE DIVERSE. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS HORSE WAS ONE BEEN QUITE DIVERSE. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS HORSE WAS ONE OF SEVERAL USED BY DRESSMAKERS FOR EXAMPLE, THIS HORSE WAS ONE OF SEVERAL USED BY DRESSMAKERS TO ENSURE THE FIT OF ARTILLERY OF SEVERAL USED BY DRESSMAKERS TO ENSURE THE FIT OF ARTILLERY HARNESSES. TO ENSURE THE FIT OF ARTILLERY HARNESSES. IT IS A REMINDER THAT THE HARNESSES. IT IS A REMINDER THAT THE ARSENAL'S MISSION HAS BEEN MORE IT IS A REMINDER THAT THE ARSENAL'S MISSION HAS BEEN MORE THAN JUST ORDINANCE. ARSENAL'S MISSION HAS BEEN MORE THAN JUST ORDINANCE. THERE WERE LEATHER SHOPS FOR THAN JUST ORDINANCE. THERE WERE LEATHER SHOPS FOR SADDLES, HOLSTERS AND CARTRIDGE THERE WERE LEATHER SHOPS FOR SADDLES, HOLSTERS AND CARTRIDGE BOXES, TIN SHOPS TO MAKE MESS SADDLES, HOLSTERS AND CARTRIDGE BOXES, TIN SHOPS TO MAKE MESS KITS, AND CARPENTERS TO BOXES, TIN SHOPS TO MAKE MESS KITS, AND CARPENTERS TO CONSTRUCT THE CARRIAGES FOR SEED KITS, AND CARPENTERS TO CONSTRUCT THE CARRIAGES FOR SEED GUNS. CONSTRUCT THE CARRIAGES FOR SEED GUNS. IN ADDITION, THE ARSENAL WAS GUNS. IN ADDITION, THE ARSENAL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND IN ADDITION, THE ARSENAL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND CLEANING OF WEAPONS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND CLEANING OF WEAPONS TO BE REISSUED. CLEANING OF WEAPONS TO BE REISSUED. LATER ON IT BECAME THE SECOND REISSUED. LATER ON IT BECAME THE SECOND FACILITY TO THE MANUFACTURER OF LATER ON IT BECAME THE SECOND FACILITY TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE 1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE WHICH FACILITY TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE 1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE WHICH WAS USED BY THE INFANTRY IN THE 1903 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE WHICH WAS USED BY THE INFANTRY IN WORLD WAR I. WAS USED BY THE INFANTRY IN WORLD WAR I. THAT WAS THE FIRST WEAPON THAT WORLD WAR I. THAT WAS THE FIRST WEAPON THAT PLACED A LOT OF EMPHASIS ON THAT WAS THE FIRST WEAPON THAT PLACED A LOT OF EMPHASIS ON HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS FOR PLACED A LOT OF EMPHASIS ON HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS FOR FIELD REPAIRS. HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS FOR FIELD REPAIRS. THIS BORING MACHINE IS THE ONLY FIELD REPAIRS. THIS BORING MACHINE IS THE ONLY KNOWN DEVICE LEFT FROM THOSE THIS BORING MACHINE IS THE ONLY KNOWN DEVICE LEFT FROM THOSE DAYS. KNOWN DEVICE LEFT FROM THOSE DAYS. INTERESTINGLY, THE MUSEUM IS DAYS. INTERESTINGLY, THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED IN THE SAME ROOM WHERE INTERESTINGLY, THE MUSEUM IS LOCATED IN THE SAME ROOM WHERE THE 1903 RIFLE WAS MADE. BESIDES RECALLING THE ARSENAL'S PAST, THE MUSEUM IS PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR ITS COLLECTION OF PAST, THE MUSEUM IS PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR ITS COLLECTION OF SMALL ARMS WHICH EXTENDS ACROSS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS COLLECTION OF SMALL ARMS WHICH EXTENDS ACROSS TWO WALLS. SMALL ARMS WHICH EXTENDS ACROSS TWO WALLS. BEHIND ME ARE SOME UNIQUE AND TWO WALLS. BEHIND ME ARE SOME UNIQUE AND RARE ITEMS WHICH COME FROM BEHIND ME ARE SOME UNIQUE AND RARE ITEMS WHICH COME FROM ALMOST EVERY PERIOD OF OUR RARE ITEMS WHICH COME FROM ALMOST EVERY PERIOD OF OUR NATION'S HISTORY. ALMOST EVERY PERIOD OF OUR NATION'S HISTORY. FOR EXAMPLE, HERE IS A WALL GUN NATION'S HISTORY. FOR EXAMPLE, HERE IS A WALL GUN FROM AROUND 1776 WHICH WEIGHS FOR EXAMPLE, HERE IS A WALL GUN FROM AROUND 1776 WHICH WEIGHS 50 POUNDS. FROM AROUND 1776 WHICH WEIGHS 50 POUNDS. IT IS A COMBINATION OF ARRIVAL 50 POUNDS. IT IS A COMBINATION OF ARRIVAL AND SMALL CANNON WHICH WAS IT IS A COMBINATION OF ARRIVAL AND SMALL CANNON WHICH WAS MOUNTED ON A SWIVEL YOKE AND SMALL CANNON WHICH WAS MOUNTED ON A SWIVEL YOKE ATTACHED TO A FORT'S WALL. MOUNTED ON A SWIVEL YOKE ATTACHED TO A FORT'S WALL. ONLY SIX OF THESE WEAPONS ARE ATTACHED TO A FORT'S WALL. ONLY SIX OF THESE WEAPONS ARE KNOWN TO EXIST TODAY. ONLY SIX OF THESE WEAPONS ARE KNOWN TO EXIST TODAY. THERE IS A LO LARGE SELECTION OF KNOWN TO EXIST TODAY. THERE IS A LO LARGE SELECTION OF WEAPONS KNOWN ASSOCIATION WITH THERE IS A LO LARGE SELECTION OF WEAPONS KNOWN ASSOCIATION WITH NATIVE AMERICANS. WEAPONS KNOWN ASSOCIATION WITH NATIVE AMERICANS. SEVERAL ARE STILL WRAPPED WITH NATIVE AMERICANS. SEVERAL ARE STILL WRAPPED WITH RAWHIDE THAT WAS USED TO REPAIR SEVERAL ARE STILL WRAPPED WITH RAWHIDE THAT WAS USED TO REPAIR BROKEN OR SPLINTERED WOOD. RAWHIDE THAT WAS USED TO REPAIR BROKEN OR SPLINTERED WOOD. OTHERS WERE PERSONALIZED WITH BROKEN OR SPLINTERED WOOD. OTHERS WERE PERSONALIZED WITH ENGRAVINGS OF ANIMAL FIGURES. >>> SOME OF THE WEAPONS TOOK ON A NEW IMPORTANCE AFTER FIRE CLEARED THE SITE OF THE BATTLE A NEW IMPORTANCE AFTER FIRE CLEARED THE SITE OF THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIGHORN. CLEARED THE SITE OF THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIGHORN. ARCHEOLOGISTS WERE ABLE TO OF THE LITTLE BIGHORN. ARCHEOLOGISTS WERE ABLE TO DISCOVER SOME SPENT CASINGS AND ARCHEOLOGISTS WERE ABLE TO DISCOVER SOME SPENT CASINGS AND USING MODERN BALLISTIC DISCOVER SOME SPENT CASINGS AND USING MODERN BALLISTIC TECHNIQUES, THEY DETERMINED THAT USING MODERN BALLISTIC TECHNIQUES, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE MUSEUM HAD FIVE GUNS THAT TECHNIQUES, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE MUSEUM HAD FIVE GUNS THAT WERE ACTUALLY USED BY TRIBE THE MUSEUM HAD FIVE GUNS THAT WERE ACTUALLY USED BY TRIBE MEMBERS ON THAT DAY. WERE ACTUALLY USED BY TRIBE MEMBERS ON THAT DAY. >>> THESE RIFLES ARE THE SINGLE MEMBERS ON THAT DAY. >>> THESE RIFLES ARE THE SINGLE LARGEST COLLECTION OF IDENTIFIED >>> THESE RIFLES ARE THE SINGLE LARGEST COLLECTION OF IDENTIFIED WEAPONS USED BY NATIVE AMERICANS LARGEST COLLECTION OF IDENTIFIED WEAPONS USED BY NATIVE AMERICANS THAT DAY THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO WEAPONS USED BY NATIVE AMERICANS THAT DAY THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. THAT DAY THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. IN ADDITION, SCIENTISTS WERE THE PUBLIC. IN ADDITION, SCIENTISTS WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE EACH GUN IN ADDITION, SCIENTISTS WERE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE EACH GUN HAD BEEN USED DURING THE BATTLE. ABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE EACH GUN HAD BEEN USED DURING THE BATTLE. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS RIFLE WAS USED HAD BEEN USED DURING THE BATTLE. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS RIFLE WAS USED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIGHT. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS RIFLE WAS USED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIGHT. LATER AT LAST STAND HILL, AND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIGHT. LATER AT LAST STAND HILL, AND AGAIN AT THE RENO BENTEEN LATER AT LAST STAND HILL, AND AGAIN AT THE RENO BENTEEN DEFENSE LINE. AGAIN AT THE RENO BENTEEN DEFENSE LINE. BESIDES THESE RIFLES, THE MUSEUM DEFENSE LINE. BESIDES THESE RIFLES, THE MUSEUM ALSO HAS ON DISPLAY SEVERAL BESIDES THESE RIFLES, THE MUSEUM ALSO HAS ON DISPLAY SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS THAT WERE RECOVERED ALSO HAS ON DISPLAY SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS THAT WERE RECOVERED FROM THE BATTLEFIELD. CONGRESS ESTABLISHED THE ARSENAL IN 1862 DURING THE CIVIL WAR. BECAUSE OF LABOR SHORTAGES AND IN 1862 DURING THE CIVIL WAR. BECAUSE OF LABOR SHORTAGES AND MATERIAL SHORT ARJS THE FIRST BECAUSE OF LABOR SHORTAGES AND MATERIAL SHORT ARJS THE FIRST BUILDING WASN'T COMPLETE MATERIAL SHORT ARJS THE FIRST BUILDING WASN'T COMPLETE COMPLETED UNTIL 1867. BUILDING WASN'T COMPLETE COMPLETED UNTIL 1867. THAT FIRST BUILDINGS WAS THIS COMPLETED UNTIL 1867. THAT FIRST BUILDINGS WAS THIS IMPRESSIVE LOOKING WAREHOUSE THAT FIRST BUILDINGS WAS THIS IMPRESSIVE LOOKING WAREHOUSE WHICH WAS USED UNTIL AFTER WORLD IMPRESSIVE LOOKING WAREHOUSE WHICH WAS USED UNTIL AFTER WORLD WAR I. WHICH WAS USED UNTIL AFTER WORLD WAR I. TODAY IT IS LISTED ON THE WAR I. TODAY IT IS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC TODAY IT IS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AND IS HOME OF THE ROCK NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AND IS HOME OF THE ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT OF THE CORPS OF PLACES AND IS HOME OF THE ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS. ISLAND DISTRICT OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS. WHAT ATTRACTS THE MOST ATTENTION ENGINEERS. WHAT ATTRACTS THE MOST ATTENTION IS HERE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR. WHAT ATTRACTS THE MOST ATTENTION IS HERE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR. IT WAS IN THIS ROOM IN 1868 THE IS HERE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR. IT WAS IN THIS ROOM IN 1868 THE OWNER OF THE NATIONALLY KNOWN IT WAS IN THIS ROOM IN 1868 THE OWNER OF THE NATIONALLY KNOWN HOTCH KISS COMPANY INSTALLED THE OWNER OF THE NATIONALLY KNOWN HOTCH KISS COMPANY INSTALLED THE CLOCK WORKS AND THEY ARE STILL HOTCH KISS COMPANY INSTALLED THE CLOCK WORKS AND THEY ARE STILL RUNNING. MR. HOTCHKISS HIMSELF CAME IN JANUARY OF 1868 AND INSTALLED THE CLOCK WHICH AT THAT TIME JANUARY OF 1868 AND INSTALLED THE CLOCK WHICH AT THAT TIME COST $5,000. THE CLOCK WHICH AT THAT TIME COST $5,000. ITS WOODEN PENDULUM HANGS DOWN COST $5,000. ITS WOODEN PENDULUM HANGS DOWN TWO STORES AND CAPPED WITH ITS WOODEN PENDULUM HANGS DOWN TWO STORES AND CAPPED WITH 350-POUND BALL. TWO STORES AND CAPPED WITH 350-POUND BALL. THERE ARE FOUR CLOCK FACES 350-POUND BALL. THERE ARE FOUR CLOCK FACES CONNECTED TO THE WORKS BY A THERE ARE FOUR CLOCK FACES CONNECTED TO THE WORKS BY A SERIES OF RODS AND GEARS, AND CONNECTED TO THE WORKS BY A SERIES OF RODS AND GEARS, AND EACH FACE HAS TWELVE PORTHOLE SERIES OF RODS AND GEARS, AND EACH FACE HAS TWELVE PORTHOLE WHOLE WINDOWS WHICH OFFER A EACH FACE HAS TWELVE PORTHOLE WHOLE WINDOWS WHICH OFFER A GREAT VIEW OF THE QUAD CITIES WHOLE WINDOWS WHICH OFFER A GREAT VIEW OF THE QUAD CITIES AREA AND ALSO OF THE EAGLES THAT GREAT VIEW OF THE QUAD CITIES AREA AND ALSO OF THE EAGLES THAT GATHER ALONG THE RIVER DURING AREA AND ALSO OF THE EAGLES THAT GATHER ALONG THE RIVER DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. GATHER ALONG THE RIVER DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. IN ADDITION TO THE CLOCK TOWER, THE WINTER MONTHS. IN ADDITION TO THE CLOCK TOWER, ANOTHER BUILDING OF NOTE IS THE IN ADDITION TO THE CLOCK TOWER, ANOTHER BUILDING OF NOTE IS THE HOME OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL ANOTHER BUILDING OF NOTE IS THE HOME OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL FOR THE OPERATION SUPPORT HOME OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL FOR THE OPERATION SUPPORT COMMAND. FOR THE OPERATION SUPPORT COMMAND. IT IS THE SECOND LARGEST COMMAND. IT IS THE SECOND LARGEST GOVERNMENT OWNED SINGLE FAMILY IT IS THE SECOND LARGEST GOVERNMENT OWNED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. GOVERNMENT OWNED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. ONLY THE WHITE HOUSE IS LARGER. RESIDENCE. ONLY THE WHITE HOUSE IS LARGER. THE FIRST TENANT WAS TO HAVE ONLY THE WHITE HOUSE IS LARGER. THE FIRST TENANT WAS TO HAVE BEEN THE MAN WHO DESIGNED AND THE FIRST TENANT WAS TO HAVE BEEN THE MAN WHO DESIGNED AND OVERSAW MUCH OF THE ARSENAL'S BEEN THE MAN WHO DESIGNED AND OVERSAW MUCH OF THE ARSENAL'S CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL RODMAN. OVERSAW MUCH OF THE ARSENAL'S CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL RODMAN. UNFORTUNATELY HE PASSED AWAY CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL RODMAN. UNFORTUNATELY HE PASSED AWAY BEFORE THE HOME WAS COMPLETED, UNFORTUNATELY HE PASSED AWAY BEFORE THE HOME WAS COMPLETED, BUT HIS FUNERAL WAS HELD IN THE BEFORE THE HOME WAS COMPLETED, BUT HIS FUNERAL WAS HELD IN THE UNFINISHED BUILDING. BUT HIS FUNERAL WAS HELD IN THE UNFINISHED BUILDING. INSIDE THE MAIN ROOMS ARE UNFINISHED BUILDING. INSIDE THE MAIN ROOMS ARE ACCENTED WITH CEILING INSIDE THE MAIN ROOMS ARE ACCENTED WITH CEILING MEDALLIONS, CORNICES, ITALIAN ACCENTED WITH CEILING MEDALLIONS, CORNICES, ITALIAN MARBLE MANTLES AND FLOORS MEDALLIONS, CORNICES, ITALIAN MARBLE MANTLES AND FLOORS BOARDED WITH DIAMOND PARQUET MARBLE MANTLES AND FLOORS BOARDED WITH DIAMOND PARQUET PATTERN MOST OF THE IRONWORK AND BOARDED WITH DIAMOND PARQUET PATTERN MOST OF THE IRONWORK AND BRASS FIXTURES WERE FORGED HERE PATTERN MOST OF THE IRONWORK AND BRASS FIXTURES WERE FORGED HERE IN THE ARSENAL SHOPS. BRASS FIXTURES WERE FORGED HERE IN THE ARSENAL SHOPS. OVER ALL THE HOUSE CONSISTS OF IN THE ARSENAL SHOPS. OVER ALL THE HOUSE CONSISTS OF THREE FLOORS AND OVER 50 ROOMS. OVER ALL THE HOUSE CONSISTS OF THREE FLOORS AND OVER 50 ROOMS. HIGH RANKING MILITARY AND THREE FLOORS AND OVER 50 ROOMS. HIGH RANKING MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND FRIENDS HIGH RANKING MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND FRIENDS OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL ARE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND FRIENDS OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL ARE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE FROM TIME TO OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL ARE GUESTS IN THE HOUSE FROM TIME TO TIME. GUESTS IN THE HOUSE FROM TIME TO TIME. IN 1927, DURING ACROSS COUNTRY TIME. IN 1927, DURING ACROSS COUNTRY TOUR, CHARLES LINDBERGH SPENT IN 1927, DURING ACROSS COUNTRY TOUR, CHARLES LINDBERGH SPENT THE NIGHT HERE. TOUR, CHARLES LINDBERGH SPENT THE NIGHT HERE. QUARTERS ONE REMAINS A PRIVATE THE NIGHT HERE. QUARTERS ONE REMAINS A PRIVATE RESIDENCE, AND IS OPEN FOR TOURS QUARTERS ONE REMAINS A PRIVATE RESIDENCE, AND IS OPEN FOR TOURS ONLY ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS. THIS IS MEMORIAL FIELD. IT IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO LOST THEIR IT IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING A SECOND WORLD WAR. THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING A SECOND WORLD WAR. IT IS ALSO A REMINDER THAT SINCE LIVES DURING A SECOND WORLD WAR. IT IS ALSO A REMINDER THAT SINCE ITS BEGINNING, THE ARSENAL HAS IT IS ALSO A REMINDER THAT SINCE ITS BEGINNING, THE ARSENAL HAS BEEN THE ARMY'S MAIN PRODUCER OF ITS BEGINNING, THE ARSENAL HAS BEEN THE ARMY'S MAIN PRODUCER OF TOWED ARTILLERY WEAPONS. ONE OF BEEN THE ARMY'S MAIN PRODUCER OF TOWED ARTILLERY WEAPONS. ONE OF THE ISLAND'S MOST SUCCESSFUL TOWED ARTILLERY WEAPONS. ONE OF THE ISLAND'S MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED THE ISLAND'S MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED HERE IS THIS 155-MILLIMETER PRODUCTS DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED HERE IS THIS 155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER USED EXTENSIVELY IN THE HERE IS THIS 155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER USED EXTENSIVELY IN THE GULF WAR AND CAPABLE OF FIRING HOWITZER USED EXTENSIVELY IN THE GULF WAR AND CAPABLE OF FIRING STANDARD ARTILLERY AMMUNITIION GULF WAR AND CAPABLE OF FIRING STANDARD ARTILLERY AMMUNITIION AND ROCKET A SIVED LASER GUIDED STANDARD ARTILLERY AMMUNITIION AND ROCKET A SIVED LASER GUIDED ROUNDS. AND ROCKET A SIVED LASER GUIDED ROUNDS. -- ASSISTED LASER GUIDED ROUNDS. ROUNDS. -- ASSISTED LASER GUIDED ROUNDS. AT OTHER TIMES, ENGINEERS ARE -- ASSISTED LASER GUIDED ROUNDS. AT OTHER TIMES, ENGINEERS ARE ASKED TO EVALUATE OR REDESIGN AT OTHER TIMES, ENGINEERS ARE ASKED TO EVALUATE OR REDESIGN EXISTING WEAPONS SUCH AS THIS ASKED TO EVALUATE OR REDESIGN EXISTING WEAPONS SUCH AS THIS 105-MILLIMETER LIGHT GUN EXISTING WEAPONS SUCH AS THIS 105-MILLIMETER LIGHT GUN PRODUCED BY BRITAIN. 105-MILLIMETER LIGHT GUN PRODUCED BY BRITAIN. ARSENAL BROUGHT THE SYSTEM UP TO PRODUCED BY BRITAIN. ARSENAL BROUGHT THE SYSTEM UP TO U.S. ARMY SPECS WHILE ARSENAL BROUGHT THE SYSTEM UP TO U.S. ARMY SPECS WHILE REENGINEERING STRESS AREAS IN U.S. ARMY SPECS WHILE REENGINEERING STRESS AREAS IN THE FRAME. TODAY, THE ARSENAL IS GOVERNMENT'S LARGEST OWNED A AND OPERATED PRODUCTION FACILITY. GOVERNMENT'S LARGEST OWNED A AND OPERATED PRODUCTION FACILITY. IT IS A PLACE THAT HAS FULFILLED OPERATED PRODUCTION FACILITY. IT IS A PLACE THAT HAS FULFILLED A VARIETY OF MISSIONS ON AN IT IS A PLACE THAT HAS FULFILLED A VARIETY OF MISSIONS ON AN ISLAND THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN A VARIETY OF MISSIONS ON AN ISLAND THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN ALMOST EACH OF OUR COUNTRY'S ISLAND THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN ALMOST EACH OF OUR COUNTRY'S CONFLICTS. ALMOST EACH OF OUR COUNTRY'S CONFLICTS. TODAY VISITORS ARE STILL CONFLICTS. TODAY VISITORS ARE STILL LEARNING ABOUT THE ARSENAL'S TODAY VISITORS ARE STILL LEARNING ABOUT THE ARSENAL'S ROLES AT THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL LEARNING ABOUT THE ARSENAL'S ROLES AT THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MUSEUM. ROLES AT THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MUSEUM. NEARBY EACH MEMORIAL DAY, MUSEUM. NEARBY EACH MEMORIAL DAY, CONFEDERATE FLAGS GRACE THE NEARBY EACH MEMORIAL DAY, CONFEDERATE FLAGS GRACE THE HEADSTONES OF THE OLD PRISON CONFEDERATE FLAGS GRACE THE HEADSTONES OF THE OLD PRISON CEMETERY. HEADSTONES OF THE OLD PRISON CEMETERY. AT THE WESTERN END, THE CLOCK CEMETERY. AT THE WESTERN END, THE CLOCK INSTALLED AT THE ARSENAL'S AT THE WESTERN END, THE CLOCK INSTALLED AT THE ARSENAL'S BEGINNING IS STILL KEEPING TIME. INSTALLED AT THE ARSENAL'S BEGINNING IS STILL KEEPING TIME. FOR. BEGINNING IS STILL KEEPING TIME. FOR. >>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FOR. >>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC SITES ON THE ISLAND OR >>> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC SITES ON THE ISLAND OR TIMES THE ARSENAL MUSEUM IS PUBLIC SITES ON THE ISLAND OR TIMES THE ARSENAL MUSEUM IS OPEN, CALL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS TIMES THE ARSENAL MUSEUM IS OPEN, CALL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (309)782-5421. OPEN, CALL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE (309)782-5421. VISITOR TO THE ROCK ISLAND OFFICE (309)782-5421. VISITOR TO THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MAY ENTER THROUGH THE VISITOR TO THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MAY ENTER THROUGH THE MOLINE GATE ONLY. ARSENAL MAY ENTER THROUGH THE MOLINE GATE ONLY. A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED, AND YOUR MOLINE GATE ONLY. A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED, AND YOUR VEHICLE MAYBE SUBJECT TO SEARCH. A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED, AND YOUR VEHICLE MAYBE SUBJECT TO SEARCH. TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OF THE CLOCK VEHICLE MAYBE SUBJECT TO SEARCH. TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OF THE CLOCK TOWER BILLING CALL (309)794-5338 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OF THE CLOCK TOWER BILLING CALL (309)794-5338 OR (309)794-5204.
History
European-American Settlement
The original portion of what is now known as Rock Island was called Farnhamsburg – after the original two homes were built by Colonel George Davenport and Russell Farnham in 1826. Davenport and Farnham were business partners, trading with the local Native Americans. The original city plat was filed on July 10, 1835, and was named Stephenson. It was renamed Rock Island in March 1841.[6]
The southern portion of Rock Island, including today's Watch Hill area, was originally known as Searstown. It was named after David B. Sears - who built the Sears Power Dam on the Rock River. Searstown was annexed by Rock Island in 1915.
This area has been a fortuitous place first for settlement and then for steamboat traffic, bridges, and railroads.
Railroads and development
The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad (RI) was founded here in 1851, known informally as the Rock Island Line; over the next century, the railroad grew to serve fourteen states but ended in bankruptcy in 1980.[7] As part of later nineteenth-century development, two first-class hotels: the Harper House (built by Ben Harper and opened in February 1871) and the Rock Island House were built in town.[8] The Rock Island Arsenal has manufactured military equipment and ordnance for the U.S. Army since the 1880s.
The Rock Island Southern Railway was an interurban line that ran from Rock Island to Monmouth, Illinois, then onward to Galesburg, Illinois. It was built between 1906 and 1910. A portion of the trackage, from Rock Island to Preemption, Illinois, was shared with the CRI&P line that served the coal mines in Cable, Illinois, and Sherrard, Illinois. The line finally folded in 1952.
Bridges
Due to its geography, Rock Island has a rich history of bridge building, including the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi (now gone), an unusual two-track railroad bridge, and the largest roller dam in the world.
The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was built between Arsenal Island and Davenport in 1856. Many steamboat pilots felt that the bridge had been intentionally positioned to make it hard for them to navigate, and this conflict reflected a larger rivalry: St. Louis and its steamboats against Chicago and its railroads.[9] Two weeks after the bridge opened, the steamboat Effie Afton collided with the bridge, caught fire, and damaged the bridge.[9] The owner of the Effie Afton sued the bridge company for damages, and the case, Hurd v. Rock Island Bridge Co., featured Abraham Lincoln as one of the lawyers who defended the railroad at trial in September, 1857.[9][10] This test case was appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the railroad in 1862.[9] Although the original bridge is long gone, having been replaced in 1866 with a heavier bridge, a monument exists on Arsenal Island marking the Illinois side.[11] On the Iowa side, the bridge was located near where 4th and Federal streets intersect with River Drive.
The Lock and Dam No. 15 and the Government Bridge are located just southwest of the site of the first bridge. The Government Bridge, completed in 1896, is notable for having two sets of railroad tracks above the car lanes. There are only two bridges in the world with this feature. Three other bridges span the river between Rock Island and Davenport. The Crescent Rail Bridge is a railroad-only bridge, completed in 1899. The Centennial Bridge was completed in 1940 for autos only. The newest bridge is the Interstate 280 bridge, completed in 1973. Lock and Dam No. 15, completed in 1934 as a federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression, is the largest roller dam in the world. The dam is designed for navigation, not flood control. During flood season, the rollers are raised, unleashing the full flow of the water.
On the south side of the city, overlooked by the Black Hawk State Historic Site, are auto and railroad crossings of the Rock River to Milan, Illinois. This set of bridges also crosses the historic Hennepin Canal and Sears Dam[12] (this was named after the entrepreneur David B. Sears, who previously built the Sears Dam between Arsenal Island and Moline.) In 2007 a new bridge was completed between 3rd Street Moline/southeast Rock Island and Milan. It expedites the trip to Milan, the airport,[which?] and points south on U.S. Route 67.
Geography
Rock Island is located at 41°29′21″N 90°34′23″W / 41.48917°N 90.57306°W (41.489083, -90.573154).[13]
According to the 2010 census, Rock Island has a total area of 17.872 square miles (46.29 km2), of which 16.85 square miles (43.64 km2) (or 94.28%) is land and 1.022 square miles (2.65 km2) (5.72%) is water.[14]
Climate
|
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1850 | 1,711 | — | |
1860 | 5,130 | 199.8% | |
1870 | 7,890 | 53.8% | |
1880 | 11,659 | 47.8% | |
1890 | 13,634 | 16.9% | |
1900 | 19,493 | 43.0% | |
1910 | 24,335 | 24.8% | |
1920 | 35,177 | 44.6% | |
1930 | 37,953 | 7.9% | |
1940 | 42,775 | 12.7% | |
1950 | 48,710 | 13.9% | |
1960 | 51,863 | 6.5% | |
1970 | 50,166 | −3.3% | |
1980 | 46,821 | −6.7% | |
1990 | 40,552 | −13.4% | |
2000 | 39,684 | −2.1% | |
2010 | 39,018 | −1.7% | |
2020 | 37,108 | −4.9% | |
2022 (est.) | 36,256 | [16] | −2.3% |
U.S. Decennial Census[17] 2010[18] 2020[19] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010[18] | Pop 2020[19] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|
White (NH) | 26,464 | 21,910 | 67.83% | 59.04% |
Black or African American (NH) | 6,987 | 7,135 | 17.91% | 19.23% |
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 84 | 63 | 0.22% | 0.17% |
Asian (NH) | 680 | 1,603 | 1.74% | 4.32% |
Pacific Islander (NH) | 8 | 12 | 0.02% | 0.03% |
Some Other Race (NH) | 66 | 160 | 0.17% | 0.43% |
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 1,065 | 1,928 | 2.73% | 5.20% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,664 | 4,297 | 9.39% | 11.58% |
Total | 39,018 | 37,108 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2010 Census
In 2000 Census, there were 39,684 people, 16,148 households, and 9,543 families residing in the city.[20] The population density was 2,492.0 inhabitants per square mile (962.2/km2). There were 17,542 housing units at an average density of 1,101.6 per square mile (425.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 77.13% White, 17.17% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.41% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.90% of the population.
There were 16,148 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.9% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.97.
The city's population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 13.1% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,729, and the median income for a family was $45,127. Males had a median income of $32,815 versus $23,378 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,202. About 10.9% of families and 14.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Largest employers
According to the city's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[21] the largest employers in the city are:
# | Employer | # of Employees |
---|---|---|
1 | Rock Island Arsenal | 6,301 |
2 | Trinity Rock Island | 1,848 |
3 | Rock Island–Milan School District 41 | 1,292 |
4 | Rock Island County | 733 |
5 | Jumer's Casino & Hotel | 550 |
6 | Augustana College | 550 |
7 | Pfg Tpc Roma Foods | 530 |
8 | City of Rock Island | 436 |
9 | Modern Woodmen of America | 435 |
10 | Honeywell Safety Products | 400 |
Rock Island County Courthouse
Construction began in April 2017 for a new Rock Island County courthouse. The $28 million project was completed in the fall of 2018, and the old courthouse was expected to be torn down upon completion of the new building.[22] However, resident opposition delayed the demolition, with the phrase "Save Our Courthouse" being used by opponents to the demolition. The old courthouse was demolished in April 2023.
Education
The majority of the city is served by the Rock Island–Milan School District with portions of the southwest area falling under the Rockridge School District. The Rock Island–Milan School District is currently home to 13 public schools, with one high school, two junior high schools, nine elementary schools, and one alternative education center. Several private schools also serve Rock Island, including Jordan Catholic Elementary School and Alleman Catholic High School.
High schools
Colleges
Former schools
Villa de Chantal Catholic school closed in 1978, and the building was destroyed by fire in 2005. Schools that were closed and demolished include Franklin Junior High School, Central Junior High School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Audubon Elementary School.[citation needed]
Points of interest
- Augustana College (Illinois)
- Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
- Black Hawk State Historic Site
- Broadway Historic District
- Chippiannock Cemetery
- Hauberg Civic Center
- Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens
- Quad City Botanical Center
- Rock Island Public Library
- The Historic Rock Island Courthouse[23]
- Rock Island Arsenal is a National Historic Landmark
- The District
- Boetje's Mustard Factory
Rock Island, Illinois is the site of the Quad City Hindu Temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated chiefly to the deity Venkateswara. The temple opened in 2007. Prior to its construction, Hindu worshippers had to travel to St. Louis or Peoria to participate in Hindu festivals and worship.[24][25]
Cultural organizations
- Ballet Quad Cities
- Genesius Guild[26]
- The Quad City Symphony Orchestra plays part of its Masterworks Series' concerts at Centennial Hall on the Augustana College campus.
- Quad City Arts[27]
Sports
The first football game in what was to become the National Football League was played at Rock Island's Douglas Field in September, 1920. It was hosted by the Rock Island Independents (1907–1926), who were a charter NFL franchise in 1920.[28]
The Rock Island Islanders were a minor league baseball team that played for 37 seasons between 1901 and 1948. The Islanders played at Douglas Park and were affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia A's.
The Rock Island Legion Post 200 baseball team won the 4th State Championship in its history in 2011 in Galesburg, Illinois. Post 200 would finish 4th that year in the Great Lakes Regional.
Karters flock to Rock Island every year for the prestigious Rock Island Grand Prix on Labor Day weekend, which attracts competitors from across the United States and the world. With exception to 1997, when the annual race was canceled due to legal liability issues, the Rock Island Grand Prix has been held every year since 1994.
Rock Island High School has won state championships in basketball, girls and boys track, softball, and wrestling. Additionally the football and basketball programs are perennial powerhouses. Rock Island Public Schools Stadium has an artificial surface and has a seating capacity of over 15,000.
Media
Rock Island is the location of television station WHBF-TV. Until 1963, WHBF was one of only two television stations in the Quad Cities area. (The other is WOC-TV on the Iowa side of the river.) Rock Island was also the longtime former home of WHBF-TV's former sister radio stations, WHBF and WHBF-FM, although it does remain the licensed city of those stations.
Also, National Public Radio member station WVIK is licensed to and located in Rock Island on the campus of Augustana College, and WGVV-LP, which is also licensed to the city of Rock Island.
Rock Island is the home base for NOAA Weather Radio WXJ-73, the Quad Cities' area NWR station, programmed by the National Weather Service in Davenport.
Transportation
Quad Cities MetroLINK provides bus service on numerous routes connecting Rock Island to destinations across the Quad Cities. District Station in downtown Rock Island serves as a hub of the system.[29]
Film, theater, and literary references
- Around the World in Eighty Days (Jules Verne, 1873) has Phileas Fogg crossing the Mississippi River at Rock Island.
- The song "Rock Island Line" was first recorded in 1934. Its many recorded versions include ones by John Lomax, Lonnie Donegan, Johnny Cash and Bobby Darin. A version is sung by Kevin Spacey in his film of Darin's life, Beyond the Sea.
- In the 1936 Margaret Mitchell novel Gone with the Wind, Ashley Wilkes was imprisoned on Arsenal Island during the Civil War.
- Rock Island Trail (1950), starring Forrest Tucker, was a Republic Studios production related to the building of the Rock Island Railroad across the Mississippi River.[30]
- The opening 'railroad train' number in Meredith Willson's The Music Man (1957) is titled "Rock Island", although the words "Rock Island" never appear in the song. The song takes place on a train journey from Brighton, Illinois to the (fictional) River City, Iowa, and the title suggests the journey includes the train's crossing though Rock Island.
- Rock Island is one of the markers of the outer edge of the range of Project X in Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged.
- Rock Island is mentioned several times in Jack Kerouac's book On the Road. Sal (Jack Kerouac) says that it was in Rock Island "for the first time in my life that I saw my beloved Mississippi River dry in the summer haze."[31]
- Rock Island Line is the title of a 1975 novel by David Rhodes.
- In the 1977 episode "Breaker, Breaker" of Good Times, where Nathan Bookman hides a CB radio in the Evans' apartment, during a scene where Willona Woods gets on the CB with a man who says he's coming back into Chicago from "that Rock Island town" and wanted to know if she and Millicent "Penny" Gordon Woods could meet up.
- The Blues Brothers are from Rock Island.[32]
- In the 1996 film Hard Eight, John, played by John C. Reilly, says that they are staying in Rock Island, Illinois.
- In the 2001 film America's Sweethearts, Larry King takes a call from a viewer in Rock Island, Illinois.
- Part of the film Road to Perdition (2002) takes place in Rock Island. The first track of the soundtrack is entitled Rock Island. The movie was based on the 1998 graphic novel, which was in turn based on the life of Rock Island gangster John Looney.
- In the 2006 film Death of a President, Al Claybon, the character behind the assassination of George W. Bush, resided in Rock Island.
- In the 2016 film War Dogs, the US military interviews main characters David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli at the Rock Island Arsenal.
Notable people
- David Ackles, singer-songwriter, pianist, and child actor
- Eddie Albert, Oscar-nominated actor and activist, known for television series, Green Acres and Switch, and films
- Black Hawk, leader and warrior of the Sauk American Indian tribe
- Ken Bowman, Ken Duncan and Herm Schneidman, players for NFL's Green Bay Packers[33]
- John Buford, Civil war general
- Ransom R. Cable, President of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad from 1883 to 1898
- George Davenport, American frontiersman, trader, U.S. Army soldier, and Indian agent
- Steve Decker, catcher with the San Francisco Giants, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Anaheim Angels
- Frederick Denkmann, lumber mogul and partner of Friedrich Weyerhäuser
- Pony Diehl, Wild West outlaw
- Booker Edgerson, Buffalo Bills[34]
- Lane Evans, former United States Congressman (Illinois 17th District); born in Rock Island[35]
- Russell Farnham, one of the first settlers of the area, and a partner of George Davenport
- Therese Fowler, author of “Z” and other books. Born and graduated high school in Rock Island
- Virginia Frederick, Illinois state representative[36]
- Alan Garber - Provost and acting President of Harvard University
- Daniel G. Garnsey, former U.S. Congressman
- Aaron H. Grout, son of Governor Josiah Grout and Vermont Secretary of State
- June Haver, screen and radio actress; wife of actor Fred MacMurray
- Chase Hilgenbrinck, former professional soccer player with the New England Revolution
- Roger Imhof, actor and performer in motion pictures, vaudeville, burlesque and the circus
- Jesse Johnson, musician, guitarist for group "The Time", as well as solo artist
- Mark Johnson, Olympic wrestler and winningest wrestling coach at the University of Illinois
- Charles Keller, former U.S. Army Brigadier General and the oldest Army officer to serve on active duty during World War II. Served as district engineer for the area.[37][38]
- Madison Keys, professional tennis player
- Lou Kolls, MLB umpire
- Kari Lake, news reporter and politician in Arizona
- Helen Mack, screen and stage actress; born in Rock Island
- Jerry Mansfield, NFL player
- Elisabeth Maurus (aka Lissie), folk-rock singer and songwriter; born in Rock Island
- Tim Moore, stage, screen and television actor; first black TV star
- Don Nelson, forward and head coach with several NBA teams, most all-time wins as a head coach
- Greg Norton, former bassist of the hardcore punk band Hüsker Dü
- Col. Gary Payton, astronaut
- Chasson Randle, basketball player and all-time leading scorer at Stanford
- Paul E. Rink, Illinois judge, lawyer, and politician[39]
- Harry Sage, catcher with the Toledo Maumees
- Bobby Schilling, U.S. Congressman from Illinois's 17th congressional district[40]
- Dred Scott, American slave who sued for his freedom
- J. Clinton Searle, Illinois state representative and lawyer[41]
- Michael H. Sexton, Minor League Baseball executive
- Tom Sexton, shortstop with 19th century's Milwaukee Brewers
- Thomas P. Sinnett, Illinois politician and lawyer
- Charles A. Spring, Presbyterian leader and son of Samuel Spring
- Henry Strasak, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer
- Lefty Taber, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies; born in Rock Island
- Hiram Truesdale, lawyer and jurist
- Jonathan Tweet, game designer, author, blogger
- Samuel Rinnah Van Sant, Civil War soldier, Governor of Minnesota 1901-05
- Henry Cantwell Wallace, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture 1921-24
- Friedrich Weyerhäuser, lumber mogul
- Bill Zies, catcher with the St. Louis Cardinals
- Lester Ziffren, journalist and Hollywood screenwriter
- Sherman McMaster, Wild West outlaw and lawman
See also
- Mayor of Rock Island, Illinois
- List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River
- Rock Island Independents – former NFL franchise
- Daytrotter – National Music Website Based in Rock Island
- List of tallest buildings in the Quad Cities
References
Footnotes
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ "Rock Island city, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ^ "Rock Island Arsenal". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ [1] Archived January 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Rock Island History - Rock Island, IL - Official Website". www.rigov.org. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ Drury, George H. (1994). The Historical Guide to North American Railroads: Histories, Figures, and Features of more than 160 Railroads Abandoned or Merged since 1930. Waukesha, Wisconsin: Kalmbach Publishing. pp. 87–93. ISBN 0-89024-072-8.
- ^ Diane Oestreich: "Harper House Hotel. 2nd Avenue & 19th Street", Rock Island Presrvation Society, February 2013.
- ^ a b c d Tweet, Roald D. The Quad Cities: An American mosaic. East Hall Press. 1996.
- ^ Riney, Larry A. (2009). "Review: "Hell Gate of the Mississippi: The Effie Afton Trial and Abraham Lincoln's Role in It."". Annals of Iowa. 68 (3): 312–314. doi:10.17077/0003-4827.1361.
- ^ Griggs, Frank, Jr. (October 2022). "Rock Island Bridge 1856". Structure Magazine. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Rock Island hydroelectric plant keeps powering up". qctimes.com. Quad City Times. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
- ^ "NASA Earth Observations Data Set Index". NASA. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- ^ "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. May 1, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
- ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Rock Island, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Rock Island, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "City of Rock Island, Illinois; Comprehensive Financial Report; Year Ended December 31, 2017". rigov.org. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
- ^ "Construction on new Rock Island County courthouse to begin in April". WQAD.com. March 22, 2017. Archived from the original on March 23, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
- ^ The Historic Rock Island Courthouse
- ^ "Keeping the faith". www.illinoistimes.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
- ^ Joni Conrad, "The Quad-City Hindu Temple provides a place to share religious, cultural and culinary experiences", Rock Island News, no byline, accessed Dec. 24, 2008
- ^ Genesius Guild
- ^ Quad City Arts
- ^ "NFL History by Decade". Nfl.com. July 21, 2015. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "Metro Monday-Friday Schedules". Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Rock Island Trail Archived 2016-01-19 at the Wayback Machine at IMDb.
- ^ Jack Kerouac, On the Road, New York: Penguin 1999, 12.
- ^ "The Speeches". Blues Brothers Central. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ "Green Bay Packers Find Players and Wins in Rock Island Illinois | Packers 101". Sports Media 101. Archived from the original on January 18, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
- ^ Chris Minor (August 7, 2014). "Former pro football player says Rock Island will always be home". WQAD.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ^ "EVANS, Lane Allen, (1951 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1993-1994,' Biographical Sketch of Virginia Feister Frederick, pg. 95
- ^ Historical Vignette 079 – The Oldest U.S. Army Officer to Serve in World War II Was an Engineer
- ^ Charles Keller – Brigadier General, United States Army
- ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 167-168,' Biographical Sketch of Paul E. Rink, pg. 278-279
- ^ "SCHILLING, Bobby, (1964 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1951-1952,' Biographical Sketch of Clinton Searle, pg. 212-213
General references
- Spencer, J. W. and Burrows, J. M. D., The Early Day of Rock Island and Davenport The Lakeside Press, 1942
- Tweet, Roald D., The Quad Cities: An America mosaic", East Hall Press, 1996
- Wickstrom, George W., The Town Crier J. W. Potter Company, 1948
External links
- City website
- QCOnline.com – Rock Island Argus/Moline Dispatch Newspaper
- Quad-City Times
- "Rock Island, Ill." . . 1914.