Built by Charles Deere, president of Deere & Company, circa 1911, the Caxton Block (named after an early English printer named Caxton) was built for and leased to printer Charles Desaulnier. Originally planned for 48,000 square feet in 1907, an additional 32,000 square feet was added before construction began. Yet another 18,000 square feet was added in the late 1940s.

The building was designed by architects Whitsitt & Drury, with construction by John Volk of Rock Island at a total cost of about $35,000. Located adjacent to Market Square, several buildings were torn down for the construction of the Caxton Block: the WIlliamson second-hand store, the Trenerman harness ship, the Brown & Christison feed store and the former Eiker horseshoeing shop.

Charles Desulnier began printing in 1896 in a building on Library Street (15th Street) and a floor in the original public library. He soon exanded into the entire building. In 1904 further expansion occured into the J.W. Warr Company building on 18th Street and 3rd Avenue. During this ten year period employees increased from four to sixty. Some of the company's growth was due to its relationship with Deere & Company. Desaulniers printed much of the company's literature, as well as The Furrow magazine. The entire first floor of the Caxton Block was utilized for offices and the printing of the magazine.

After many years of neglect, the Caxton Block has recently been restored.

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