The Rock Island Arsenal, a significant and active U.S. Army installation, is nestled on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River. Strategically positioned between the Quad Cities of Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois, this unique location has played a pivotal role in American history and industry. Recognized for its historical importance, the Rock Island Arsenal was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, and further honored as a National Historic Landmark in 1989, specifically for its original arsenal buildings.
Beyond its historical significance, the Rock Island Arsenal is a major economic engine for the Quad Cities region. As the largest government-owned manufacturing facility in the United States, it houses the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC), the Department of Defense’s only vertically integrated manufacturing operation. This crucial facility also hosts key commands including the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, and the United States Army Sustainment Command. The arsenal’s impact extends far beyond its island borders, supporting approximately 54,000 active and reserve military personnel, retirees, civilian employees, and their families within a 150-mile radius. It is estimated to influence over 15,000 jobs and contribute a substantial $1.2 billion to the local economy, highlighting its vital role in the region’s prosperity.
Discovering Attractions on Arsenal Island
Visitors to Rock Island Arsenal can explore a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that showcase the island’s rich past. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum offers a deep dive into military history and the arsenal’s contributions. For a glimpse into early island life, the Colonel Davenport House provides insights into the area’s first European settler. Memorial Park offers a space for reflection and remembrance, while the Mississippi River Visitors Center provides educational exhibits about the river’s ecosystem and importance. For those interested in military history, the Rock Island National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery offer somber yet important sites for contemplation. The island’s strategic importance dates back to 1816 when Fort Armstrong was constructed as part of a network of forts along the Upper Mississippi River. This fort played a crucial role in maintaining peace, notably serving as military headquarters during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Today, a replica of one of Fort Armstrong’s blockhouses stands as a reminder of this era.
Planning Your Visit to Rock Island Arsenal
As an active military installation, visiting the Rock Island Arsenal requires adherence to specific access protocols. All visitors must enter through the Moline (Illinois) gate, accessible from River Drive. Visitors aged 18 and older without a Department of Defense identification card must obtain a visitor pass at the Moline Gate Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If the Visitor Center is closed, passes can still be obtained directly at the Moline gate.
To secure a visitor pass, adults will need to present a valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport. It’s important to note that residents of Minnesota, Missouri, and Washington states require an additional form of documentation alongside their driver’s license or state ID, such as a social security card or vehicle registration displaying name and address. Unfortunately, access for Foreign Nationals is restricted to those visiting Rock Island Arsenal for official business only. All visitors undergo a mandatory criminal background check at the Visitor Control Center to ensure the safety and security of the installation.
