Rock Island Arsenal

Rock Island is a 900+ acre island in the Mississippi River between Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. It was purchased from Native Americans in 1804, and an Army fort was built soon after. In 1862 it became Rock Island Arsenal, and remains one still.

During the Civil War it was also a Prisoner of War camp, and is mentioned in "Gone With The Wind". There is a Confederate Cemetery and a National Cemetery on the island. The museum here was opened in 1905, and has a fabulous firearm collection.

We were both overwhelmed.

Not only do they display weapons made at the Arsenal, they also display captured weapons and artifacts. The German helmets shown are from WWI. I know you can't judge size in a photograph, but I now realize why the Germans made so many tactical errors. The soldiers who wore these had heads slightly larger than grapefruit.

This is a "Wall" gun. The flintlock was mounted on the wall of a fort and could swing from side to side. Made between 1775 and 1780, it weighs 50 pounds and is one of only 5 known to exist.

All I know about this little cutie is ---

I'd have to be desperate to pull the trigger.

They made more than weaponry here.

The pot-belly stove and saddle were produced as well.

All leather harness and saddles were made here until the mounted cavalry no longer existed.

The furniture for officers homes was made here.

Some of the furniture is still in use.

This is still an active Army post.

One of the Officer's homes, shown above, on the post golf course.

The island is also the location of the Col. Davenport Home.

Davenport was one of the early settlers, providing food for the men who built the fort in the 1820's. He went on to be a fur trader and the city of Davenport is named for him.

This home was built in 1833 and is on the National Registry.

He was murdered here during a home invasion in 1845.
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We spent quite a while on the island, finding it far more interesting than we'd imagined.
It has it's own visitor's center and a beautiful biking / hiking trail.

Lots are filled with Army trucks and Howitzers.
You have to show a photo I D to be admitted to the Arsenal, and if you aren't an American citizen you have to apply for permission.



But some foreigners sneak in anyway!