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Join us as we present some of Rock Island County's history and genealogy. While it is both unique and typical at
the same time, we think you will find it an exciting Illinois Trail to follow on your journey through the past.
Centennial Bridge in Rock Island County
Brief History of Rock Island County
(1901)
Rock Island county, in the northwestern section of the State
bordering upon the Mississippi River (which constitutes its northwestern boundary for more than 60 miles), and
having an area of 440 square miles.
In 1816, the Government erected a fort on Rock Island (an island in the Mississippi, 3 miles long and one-half
to three-quarters of a mile wide), naming it Fort Armstrong. It has always remained a military post, and is now
the seat of an extensive arsenal and work-shops.
Fort Armstrong
In the spring of 1828, settlements were made near Port Byron
by John and Thomas Kinney, Archibald Allen and George Harlan. Other early settlers, near Rock Island and Rapids
City, were J.W. Spencer, J.W. Barriels, Benjamin F. Pike and Conrad Leak; and among the pioneers were Wells and
Michael Bartlett, Joel Thompson, the Simms brothers and George Davenport. The country was full of Indians, this
being the headquarters of Black Hawk and the initial point of the Black Hawk War.
By 1829 settlers were increased in number and county organization was effected in 1833, Rock Island (then called
Stephenson) being made the county-seat. Joseph Conway was the first County Clerk, and Joel Wells, Sr., the first
Treasurer. The first court was held at the residence of John W. Barriels, in Farnhamsburg.
The county is irregular in shape, and the soil and scenery greatly varied. Coal is abundant, the water-power inexhaustible,
and the county's mining and manufacturing interests are very extensive. Several lines of railway cross the county,
affording admirable transportation facilities to both eastern and western markets. Rock Island and Moline are the
two principal cities in the county, though there are several other important points. Coal Valley is the center
of large mining interests, and Milan is also a manufacturing center. Port Byron is one of the oldest towns in the
county, and has considerable lime and lumber interests, while Watertown is the seat of the Western Hospital for
the Insane. Population of the county in 1880 was 38,302; in 1890, 41,917; in 1900, 55,249
Rock Island County was established on February 9, 1831, with
organization completed in 1833.
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Addresses for County Courthouse and IRAD:
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1869 View of Rock Island
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Rock Island County Courthouse
1504 Third Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Telephone:
County Clerk - (309) 558-3570
Circuit Clerk - (309) 786-4451
Recorder - (309) 558-3360
Read about the First Library in
Illinois
IRAD Depository
University Library
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
Telephone: (309) 298-2716
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Andalusia Library
503 Second Street West
PO Box 268
Andalusia, IL
309-798-2542
Cordova District Library
402 Main Avenue
Cordova IL 61242-0247
309-654-2330
Moline Library
The downtown branch of their library is located at:
504 17th Street
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-6883
Their southeast branch is located at:
3130 41st Street
Moline, IL 61265
309-762-6883
LINKS TO SITES WITH ROCK ISLAND DATA
Julie Chance McElroy's site is filled with transcribed data - cemetery transcriptions, obituaries, census data,
biographies and more!
Visit her site here
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