Colonel Davenport House – Moline, Illinois
This is a circa 1833 structure and was considered a mansion of its time.
Based on a Federal Style, the Colonel Davenport House was built using technology known by a local carpenter. His method was to build the skeleton of the house as if it were a log structure. The logs were squared using axes and adzes and then notched to fit tightly against each other. Furring strips were then secured to the exterior, and pine clapboards were attached.
Later, more conventional building techniques of frame construction were used. East and west wings were added to the house. A kitchen wing on the south was added. A small porch ran the length of the house. Davenport used the west wing as an office. The house was the center of a number of buildings, as many as thirteen. These additional buildings acted as warehouses and storehouses for the trading network.
Colonel George Davenport
The Davenport House is historically important for several reasons. First, it reflects the growth in the prosperity of one man, George Davenport. Davenport was a settler, provider, homesteader, businessman and counselor. His history equals the Quad City’s history shaping its growth and development. On a much larger scale, it reflects the settling of the West.
When George Davenport arrived with the U.S. Army in 1816, their mission was to establish fortification in the wilderness for the U.S. Government. The protection afforded by this fort attracted settlers to this wild, rich land. As a settler, Davenport was in a position to realize the possibilities of further trade with the Indians. He also prospered as an Agent of the American Fur Company. He quickly branched into other businesses, sending the first keelboat-load of lead down the river to St. Louis.
During the Black Hawk Wars, Davenport was a fur trader and respected citizen. This put him in a natural position to act as a mediator between the Indians and the U.S. Government. The coming of the steamboat in 1823 into the upper Mississippi Valley region brought more settlers and possibilities for further business dealings. With his increased prosperity, Davenport wanted a home, which he built between 1833-1834. The house became the center of local commerce, a crossroads for trade in the region. Later, this home laid the foundation for the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois.
The Colonel Davenport House is open to the public from May through October. Tours are provided during these months by trained docents from noon until 4:00 P.M. Thursday through Sunday.
Tours during the remainder of the year are by appointment only. Please contact
Sue Wolters at (563) 388-9657.
Admission
Adults $5
Seniors/Students $3
Family $10
Group pricing is available. CDHF requires two weeks advance notice on groups of ten or more.
School tours are also available year-round and require advance notice. Special pricing is available.
School groups $1 per person
Adult groups $2 per person
Guides
Col. Davenport House Guides tell the story of George Davenport, his family and house to visitors to the site. They escort visitors around the interior and exterior of the house, giving information about the Davenport family, and the significant role of the family on the founding and early history of Davenport and Rock Island. They also describe the house and its architecture, and tell of pioneer life in the 1830s through the artifacts in the house.
Directions to the House
A photo I.D. is required of all persons entering Arsenal Island . Guests should enter through the main Moline gate located off River Drive in Moline, Illinois . Once on Arsenal Island, take Rodman Ave, a main East- West street to Hillman Avenue . The house is at the end and to the right of Hillman.
Tel. (309) 786-7336