Infrastructure, Arsenal, & River



Rock River Dam

Rock River Near 11th Street Although the postcard labels this the Water Power Dam, most of us call it the Sears Dam, sometimes the Sears Power Dam.  It’s located in … [ Continued



Ferry T. J. Robinson

 “It is man’s natural inclination to walk to the edge of any body of water and look out upon its surface.”  So begins a 1902 story of the ferryboats that … [ Continued



Clock Tower & Gatehouse – Arsenal Island

Rock Island – the real, the original, Rock Island – is the geographic and historical center of the Quad Cities.  This is not some overgrown sandbar island-wannabee, subject to the … [ Continued



Centennial Bridge

Foot of 15th Street  We drive across it, many of us on a daily basis, and mostly we don’t pay it much attention.  But looking down from the top of … [ Continued



Government Bridge Guard House

Rock Island Arsenal  How often do you pass this unassuming but striking little building, identified on our postcard as the Government Bridge Guard House?  Only when walking or waiting for … [ Continued



Roller Dam & Locks

Mississippi River The featured postcard, and the one below showing a different view, represents the culmination of a century of navigational improvements on the Mississippi River.   It was published in … [ Continued



Crescent Bridge

Foot of 7th Street Did you ever wonder how the Crescent Bridge got its name?  Or do you even know where the Crescent Bridge is?  For years it was hidden … [ Continued



Arsenal Power House & Dam

South Side of Arsenal Island Some look at a flowing river and see beauty.  Others see raw power ready to be captured.  The waters of the Mississippi River have enormous … [ Continued