Rock Island is part of the Quad Cities community, which also comprises East Moline and Moline, Ill., and Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa. Rock Island's history was highlighted by Native American settlement, the steamboat era and the Civil War. The onset of the Black Hawk War, which included the Sac and Meskwaki Indians, was precipitated by the destruction of the tribes' ancient burial grounds to make way for the pioneers' cornfields. During the days of the steamboat, about 2,000 vessels docked annually. Learn More...