Davenport IA Moving Companies

Davenport, Iowa

Because of the city’s location on the Mississippi River, Davenport, Iowa played an important role in western expansion during the 19th century. With the introduction of riverboat gambling in the 1990s, Davenport is emerging as a top Midwestern tourist destination. Those moving to Davenport will discover an exciting area to relocate to.

History:
Davenport was incorporated in 1836. The initial sale of lots attracted few buyers and in the first year only a half dozen families relocated to the new town. LeClaire and Davenport erected a hotel on the corner of Ripley and First Streets, naming it the Hotel Davenport. By the spring of 1837, the population was growing; a town retailer, for instance, served customers who traveled hundreds of miles to buy goods from his inventory, valued at $5,000. During the decade before the Civil War, Davenport increased its population more than fivefold, with an influx of immigrants from Germany that continued unabated into the 1890s. These new residents imported music and other cultural interests to Davenport, creating institutions such as the Davenport Public Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery. The first railroad bridge to span the Mississippi River was completed in 1856 between Davenport and Rock Island, contributing to the development of the western frontier. The Rock Island Arsenal opened in 1861 to help Union war efforts; the arsenal eventually grew to become one of the largest in the world. In the post-Civil War era, Davenport prospered as a riverboat town and as a burgeoning industrial center for the manufacture of cement, steel and iron products, and leather goods. By the turn of the 20th century, Davenport was considered the "Washing Machine Capital of the World” and the "Cigar Making Capital of the Midwest." The cigar industry flourished in Davenport until World War II. In 2001, Scott County voters approved the River Renaissance development program, which commenced a period of downtown revitalization and inspired more than $160 million of investment throughout the region.

Economy:
The Davenport economic base is diversified, with a relatively equal distribution among the manufacturing, wholesale and retail, and services sectors. Manufacturing has traditionally been a principal industry in the city. Davenport is also a primary retail and wholesale trade center, drawing from a market area encompassing a radius of up to 100 miles. Davenport continues to be a world leader in the production of farm equipment. Davenport's mid-continent location is favorable to freight distribution, with one-day delivery by highway and rail to points throughout the Midwest. As a U.S. Customs Port of Entry and a Foreign Trade Zone, Davenport is also a center for national and international commerce. A regional headquarters of United Parcel Service is located in Davenport; in all, six airfreight carriers process cargo through the Quad City Airport. More than 100 motor freight companies maintain warehouses in the Quad Cities. Davenport claims a productive, skilled labor force that can be employed at a lower cost than the national average. Because of the area's long history as a manufacturing center, the work force possesses many of the traditional skills associated with equipment manufacturing and metal fabricating. The service sector is the fastest growing, led by the proliferation of gambling casinos and attendant industries catering to tourists.

Tourism:
Start by heading over to Credit Island. A 420-acre park in the southwest part of town on the Mississippi River and connected to the mainland by a causeway at 2200 W River Drive. Credit Island features ball diamonds, basketball court, football field, lodge, picnic tables, picnic shelter, playground, public boat ramp, scenic drive, bird watching and seasonal restrooms. Next, for the shopper in the group, head to Northpark Mall. Northpark Mall is a large, indoor mall with anchor stores Sears, JC Penney, Younkers, Von Maur, and Dillard's as well as local specialty shops and places to eat. Then, get outside and experience a few of the world’s most amazing critters. The Fejervary Park and Zoo is a great place to bring the entire family. The ideal place to spend an afternoon, the zoo displays hundreds of animals from around the globe for you to view and admire. Finally, have a picnic, take a stroll, or simply spend some time relaxing at the Vander Veer Botanical Park.

College and University:

• St Ambrose University

Interesting Facts:

• Buffalo Bill Cody grew up in the rural Davenport area.
• B. J. Palmer, the inventor of chiropractics, and his son, D. D. Palmer, were lifelong residents of Davenport.