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Quad Cities _____________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, take I-172 north for 5 miles to State Route 336. Follow State Route 336 north for 7 miles to State Route 61. Take State Route 61 northeast for 40 miles. Go east on US 136 for 12 miles then follow US 67 north for 30 miles. Take US 34 east for 19 miles to I-74. Follow I-74 north for 47 miles to Moline. Approximately 160 miles.
Calendar of Events
For a calendar of events check out the Quad Cities Calendar or Quad Cities Online.
History
The Quad Cities consists of the cities of Bettendorf and Davenport located on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River and the cities of Moline and Rock Island located on the Illinois side of the river. The following is a brief history of the four communities.
Rock Island is located at the junction of the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. This location was ideal for the Sauk and Fox Indians who inhabited the area prior to the arrival of settlers. Fort Armstrong was constructed in 1816 and by 1831 the Indians were forced to leave. The fort served as a trading post and military installation. Rock Island was laid out in July 1835 and was already home to several hundred families. In 1856 Rock Island was the site of the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River and the town prospered with new industry.
Davenport was the next Quad City formed. In 1836 Davenport was laid out on the east-west bend in the Mississippi River. The population was slow to grow until the 1850's when a steady stream of settlers came west and the railroad bridge was built. Davenport industries included lumber, furniture, foundries, breweries, and meat packing. By the end of the 19th century Davenport banks were the largest in Iowa.
Moline was organized in 1843 and immigrants came from all over to work in the industrious river town. In 1847 John Deere moved to Moline to build his plow business. Today Moline is home to Deere & Company’s corporate headquarters. There are also three John Deere plants in Moline that employ more than 10,000 people.
Bettendorf was first known as the villages of Lilenthal and Gilbertown. The two combined to become Gilbertown but by 1903 the residents of Gilbertown decided to change their name. Bettendorf was established in honor of two brothers, William and Joseph Bettendorf, who had been instrumental in the development of the city.
These four communities and the surrounding area offer a wealth of activities including historic sites, museums, theaters, parks, shopping, and festivals. The Quad Cities is bustling with events and things to do. For additional information about the area contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at (309) 788-7800.
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