Introduction to Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is situated along the Mississippi River, in Scott County and is included in the "Quad Cities" with Bettendorf and the Illinois cities, Moline and Rock Island. The area occasionally experiences floods emanating from the Mississippi River. The various distinct neighborhoods in the city contain structures featuring Victorian, Tudor Revival and Queen Anne architecture. A significant number of German immigrants resided in many of the original neighborhoods.
History
During 1832 the Black Hawk War ended when a treaty was signed by General Winfield Scott and Keokuk. Antoine Le Claire was part French and part Pottawattamie Indian and acted as the translator for the peace treaty negotiations. He established the city in 1836 and named it in tribute to his friend Colonel George Davenport. The Colonel was responsible for providing supplies to Fort Armstrong and was involved in making plans for the first railroad bridge that would cross the Mississippi River. After the Civil War ended, the Iowa Soldiers Orphan's Home was established to take care of hundreds of homeless children. It later became the residence of children from broken homes as well as orphans from all the counties in the state.
During the 1920's the economy was thriving and the construction industry was flourishing. The economy experienced another boom after World War II ended. Oscar Meyer and Ralston Purina and other notable companies constructed factories in the western portion of Davenport. The severe downturn in farming which occurred in the 1980's caused a vast number of people to loose their jobs and was devastating to the economy of Davenport and the rest of the Quad Cities. The Caterpillar Plant closed down during this era.
Transportation
Four bridges which cross over the Mississippi River connect Davenport with the two Illinois Quad Cities members. The Davenport Municipal Airport provides air transportation. The nearest commercial airport is the Quad City International Airport located in Moline Illinois. Local transportation is provided by Citibus.
Attractions
- German-American Jazz Event
- The Village of East Davenport
- The Riverfront Davenport
- The Figge Art Museum
- The Putnam Museum and IMAX Theater
- Davenport Skybridge
- River Music Experience
- Modern Woodmen Park
- Great Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
- North Park Mall
- Credit Island
- Mount Ida
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Great Mississippi Valley Fair
- Riverside Festival of Fine Art
- The Mississippi River Trail
- American Discovery Trail
Higher Education
Davenport is home to Saint Ambrose University, Palmer Chiropractic College and Kaplan University.