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The Illinois Quad Cities region has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s, shaped by the Mississippi River, transportation, industry, and the growth of close-knit communities.

In 1816, a garrison of U.S. soldiers arrived and began constructing Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, the largest island in the Mississippi River. The fort became an important military outpost and helped establish the area as a center for settlement and trade. As riverboat traffic increased, several nearby communities began to grow along the river. A city plat was filed in 1835 under the name Stephenson, and in 1841 the community was officially renamed Rock Island.

The first European settlers arrived in the area that would become Port Byron in 1828. At that time, the land was home to the Potawatomi people. During the Black Hawk War of 1832, settlers temporarily relocated to Fort Armstrong for safety before returning once the conflict ended. The town was officially founded in 1836 and named in honor of Lord Byron, the famous English poet. Port Byron was later incorporated in 1877, and the village remains a desirable and historic community along the Mississippi River.

Industrial development also helped shape the region. In 1837, a stone-and-brush dam was constructed between the southern shore of the Mississippi River and Rock Island, creating water power for local mills. As additional factories were established, a town called Rock Island Mills was platted in 1842. The name was later changed to Moline, and the city was incorporated in 1848—the same year John Deere relocated his plow company to the growing industrial community, helping establish Moline as a major manufacturing center.

Further east, the Geneseo area was settled in 1836 and 1837 by eight families from Genesee County, New York, who came to Illinois to establish a religious community centered on education and strong moral values. The community strongly opposed slavery and served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved individuals escape to northern states where slavery was prohibited. Geneseo was officially incorporated in 1855.

The village of Coal Valley was established in 1856 by local farmers and soon expanded with the development of the Coal Valley Mining Company, which helped fuel the local economy through coal production.

East Moline developed later than some neighboring communities. The town was originally platted in 1895 as a planned community, but its growth accelerated when John Deere & Company opened a factory there in 1900. East Moline was incorporated as a village in 1903 and later as a city in 1907, becoming an important industrial hub within the Quad Cities.

The region also holds an interesting place in sports history. Douglas Park in Rock Island hosted one of the first games in National Football League (NFL) history in 1920, when the Rock Island Independents defeated the St. Paul Ideals 48–0. During its time as an NFL venue, both the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers also played games at Douglas Park, cementing the park’s place in early professional football history.

Offering quick access to beautiful parks, large employers, and popular local restaurants, the Illinois Quad Cities offers easy living for you and your family.

MetroLINK, the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District, was honored by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) as the Outstanding Public Transit System of the Year for all agencies in North America carrying between 1-4 million passengers annually. Called the “best of the best” in the industry, APTA presents the award to just three transit systems annually. The organization provides Metro bus service, ADA paratransit and Special Transportation Services, and seasonal passenger ferry boat service with the Channel Cat Water Taxi.

The 3.5 million rides a year taken on MetroLINK services provide a vital connection to jobs, education, healthcare, and retail; supporting our local economy and creating a vibrant quality of life. No matter where you work in the Quad Cities, living in the Illinois Quad Cities can get you where you want to go.

Moline Centre: The Moline Centre encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation. You’ll find restaurants, new and old, located within historical buildings and plenty of events to attend every night of the week. The John Deere Pavilion offers a unique experience for everyone who walks through the door. From the vintage machines to today’s agricultural, construction and forestry equipment, the past and future are yours to discover. Bass Street Landing hosts outdoor events, festivals and gatherings on its raised performance stage. Mercado on Fifth offers shopping and dining in an open air marketspace. Lagomarcino’s, founded in 1908, is both a local chocolate shop and a trip back in time as well. ComedySportz matches are fully improvised and feature two teams of comedians competing for points and laughs.

Downtown Rock Island: Downtown Rock Island houses a wide variety of businesses and restaurants within 175 year-old buildings. Whether you’re interested in arts, food, shopping, health and wellness, or even different species of plants, you will find your niche Downtown. Quad City Arts offers a variety of programs to support the community in addition to their gallery in Downtown. Rozz-Tox is a cafe with the added bonus of an art space that showcases music, film, visual art and literature. Circa 21 is a Dinner Playhouse with professional entertainment, performing waitstaff, freshly prepared meals, located in a historic venue. Founded in 1917, the Quad Cities YWCA supports social change, provides child care and promotes fitness and wellness. The Quad City Botanical Center is a public garden that maintains hundreds of plants ranging from tropical varieties to regional perennials.

Broadway Historic District: Broadway is an active 19th century neighborhood in the heart of Rock Island, known for its historic homes, innovative preservation activities and front porch socializing. Broadway is within walking distance to both the Mississippi River and Rock Island’s thriving downtown arts-and-entertainment district. Residents and visitors enjoy close proximity to parks, museums, bike paths, schools and shopping. The Broadway neighborhood became a National Historic District in 1998 and has appeared in Midwest Living and This Old House magazines.

Quad City International Airport: The Quad City International Airport in Moline, IL (MLI), offers dozens of daily flights on four airlines to 11 nonstop or hub/connecting cities. The airport also offers a business center, a full-service restaurant, car rental services and an art showcase prior to the security checkpoint.

John Deere Classic: The John Deere Classic, held annually in July, is the Quad Cities’ premier golf tournament and the only PGA tour event in the region. It has been a breakthrough tournament for multiple players, who earned their first victory on the PGA tour at the local course.

Tug Fest: Tug Fest is a one-of-a-kind event on the banks of the Mississippi River. Visit Port Byron for a weekend full of fun and activities for all ages. Thursday night begins with family night and free admission. Friday night continues with the fireworks, and Saturday brings on the Tug of War across the Mississippi River.

The Camden Centre: The Camden Centre is located within the 90 acre, beautifully landscaped Camden Park in Milan, IL. The facility can comfortably seat over 300 people. Besides banquets and receptions, The Camden Centre also offers state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment for any size business meeting.

Channel Cat: Experience the power of the Rock Island Rapids, considered the most dangerous section of the upper Mississippi. Take the Channel Cat across the Mississippi River as it flows from East to West. Three open-air passenger ferry boats are available to ride. Service is generally provided from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Vibrant Arena at The Mark: Great concerts are just the beginning! The Vibrant Arena at The Mark not only features national concert tours, but is also home to the professional minor league hockey team, the QC Storm. In addition, the Vibrant Arena hosts weddings, banquets, meetings and conventions.

Bally's Quad Cities Casino and Hotel: Bally's Casino & Hotel is a well-known casino, hotel, and entertainment venue. The casino floor features over 42,000 square feet of gaming with close to 1,000 slot machines. The 205-room hotel offers 11 luxury suites, fitness center, indoor pool & hot tub, an Events Center, and four restuarants; DJ's Steakhouse, the Bally Bet Sportsbook & Bar, Player's Buffet, and Blue Square Cafe. Visit it at the junction of Interstate 280 and Highway 92 in Rock Island.

Black Hawk Historic Site: Black Hawk State Historic Site is a wooded, steeply rolling 208-acre tract bordering the Rock River in Rock Island County. Prehistoric Indians and nineteenth-century settlers made their homes here, but the area is most closely identified with the Sauk nation and the warrior-leader whose name it bears – Black Hawk. It’s open year-round from sunrise to 10 P.M.

MetroLINK
RiverShare Libraries
Moline Centre
Downtown Rock Island
Broadway Historic District
Quad City International Airport
John Deere Classic
Vibrant Arena at The Mark
Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Black Hawk Historic Site