Rock Island started out during the Civil War as a small Union
prisoner of war camp which also held and distributed supplies. It has grown
into a critical manufacturer of 21st century supplies for our troops in the
field. And in doing so, it also serves as the lifeblood of the Quad Cities
region that hosts it.
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, I would like to
highlight Rock Island Arsenal's impressive history and the impact it has had on
the community and the nation.