Brief History

Waterpower from the Mississippi River was the foundation for the growth of the city of Moline. The name is an adaptation of the French word for mill town, which is what Moline was. In 1837, David Sear and his associates built a stone-and-brush dam between the south shore of the Mississippi and Rock Island. This dam provided the water flow for a mill that powered a saw mill, a mill for grinding corn, and other uses. Other factories sprang up and, in 1842; a town was platted with the name Rock Island Mills. However, the name Moline was later adopted and incorporation took place in 1848, the same year John Deere relocated his plow company from Grand Detour to this growing mill town. John Deere grew to be the dominant business in Moline.

The Community

Moline is located on a bluff on the south bank of the Mississippi River directly across from Bettendorf. A relatively narrow channel of the river separates Moline from Arsenal Island (formerly Rock Island), the largest island in the Mississippi River. The city covers an area of 15.6 square miles and has a population density of 2,758 people/square mile. To see Moline homes today call Ruhl&Ruhl today.

Attractions and Entertainment

The John Deere Company has been a major influence on Moline for over 100 years. Today the John Deere Pavilion on the riverfront, the John Deer Collectors Center, and the John Deere Worldwide Headquarters are all attractions of the city. Moline also serves as home to the Playcrafters Barn Theatre and the Quad City Music Guild.