communities allow visitors to experience the river’s beauty and lasting influence. One of the most significant ties to the history of America’s expansion is found in Rock Island. Fort Armstrong , established in 1816, was one of the first military outposts built after the War of 1812. While the original fort is no longer standing, its legacy lives on through markers and a replica blockhouse that offer a glimpse into the region’s role in America’s defense and settlement. At the heart of the Quad Cities, the Rock Island Arsenal occupies a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River. The Arsenal has supported every major American conflict since the Civil War and remains an active military installation today. Visitors can explore the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, which houses extensive military history and artifacts, as well as Quarters One , the Colonel Davenport House , the Mark VIII Liberty Tank , Memorial Park , and the Rock Island National Cemetery . Each destination along the self- guided tour of the Rock Island Arsenal helps visitors gain insight into the Arsenal’s critical role in national defense and the Quad Cities’ connection to our nation’s story. Across the river, Silvis honors more than 100 young men and women from the community who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam with Hero Street . Originally known as Second Street, this site stands as a testament to patriotism, community, and sacrifice, celebrated not only during America 250, but every day.
Quarters One
Rock Island Arsenal
The Quad Cities’ role in American history extends beyond military service into agricultural innovation that changed the nation. In the 19th century, John Deere’s steel plow revolutionized farming by making it possible to till through prairie soil, transforming the Midwest. To learn more about the impact of John Deere, not only in the region but across the nation, visitors can stop by the John Deere Pavilion for interactive displays, historic machinery, and an up-close look at how it all formed into what we know today. As the nation celebrates America 250, visitors are invited to explore the Quad Cities’ legacy through historic landmarks, museums, and community stories. In the Quad Cities, America’s story isn’t just told, it’s experienced.
DISCOVER AMERICA’S 250 IN THE QC
When you visit and remember those who served, the street guides you through memorials and connects you with their legacy.
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