The first European-American settler in Muscatine was George Davenport, after whom Davenport is named. He built a trading post on the site in 1833. Gristmills and a lumber industry followed. Woodworking became a major industry. The town was incorporated as Bloomington in 1839. One of the early residents was Dr. Benjamin Weed, who set up his practice here. 

 

Because of the popularity of the name Bloomington, there was considerable confusion in mail routing and delivery. As a result, the town changed its name to Muscatine. Considerable confusion exists as to where the name came from, but no other city in the United States uses this name. Prior to the Civil War, Muscatine had Iowa’s largest community of African-Americans, comprising escaped slaves and freedmen from the east. A German immigrant started a button factory in 1884, cutting buttons from the shells of freshwater clams, which were plentiful in the river and creeks. H.J. Heinz built a canning factory here in 1892. Author Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) wrote for the local newspaper at one time.

 

The Community

The button industry has continued as a major business and Muscatine is known today as The Pearl Button Capital of the World. This industry was significantly affected by the development of plastic buttons. Muscatine also carries the title of The Watermelon Capital of the World.

Muscatine today is an active river community, manufacturing center, and tourist destination. The city covers an area of 16.8 square miles and has a population density of 1,332 people/square mile. Lock and Dam 16 is located at Muscatine. To see Muscatine homes, call Ruhl&Ruhl. 

Attractions and Entertainment

The Mark Twain Overlook of the Mississippi River looks east across the river just downstream of Lock and Dam 16. Both Weed Mansion and Weed Park are part of the legacy of the early settler, Dr. Benjamin Weed. The Muscatine History and Industry Center features the history of the pearl button industry that, before the development of plastic buttons, produced 37 percent of the world pearl button supply. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is a restored 1848 mill with intact mill machinery. The Muscatine Art Center houses French impressionist works in a 1908 Edwardian mansion. Several golf courses are also available. To see real estate in Muscatine, call Ruhl&Ruhl today. 

Getting To and From

Highways
US-61 north/south
From Quad Cities (25 miles north): I-80 East to Chicago, West to Des Moines & Omaha

Air Travel
Commercial Air
Quad Cities International Airport, Moline, IL (34 miles)
General Aviation
Davenport Municipal Airport (42 miles)

If you have decided to search for real estate in Muscatine, contact Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS.