This panoramic print of Rock Island, Illinois was drawn by Albert Ruger and published by Chicago Lith. Co. in 1869. The county seat town of Rock Island began to prosper in the 1830's as water power was generated at that point along the Mississippi River. This power source afforded new and promising manufacturing possibilities.
The Chicago & Rock Island Railroad constructed the first bridge at this point along the Mississippi in the mid-1800's. The island, just upriver from town, was used as a prisoner of war camp during the American Civil War. The island is now known as Arsenal Island maintaining a U. S. military arsenal and manufacturing facilities.
In the years following the civil conflict, Rock Island’s economic interests returned to lumbering and manufacturing of agricultural implements and railroad supplies.
Arsenal Island is shown at the lower left here. The map looking southwest includes labeled streets, buildings and railroad route. Riverboat and barge activity is displayed in the foreground with featured steamers “Rock Island”, “Minneapolis”, “Missouri” and “Idaho”. The inset illustrations at the bottom are of the High School and Court House.
Features references to the following locations:
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