Downtown

This area between the railroad tracks (which first dissected Moline in 1854) and the bluff was largely a residential area in the 19th century. However, a commercial spine had developed late in the century along 15th Street (called Mill Street before 1883), the street that carried the trolley that served residential areas on the hill beginning in 1884. Between 1900 and 1930 a classic 20th century American downtown area developed here, most especially along 5th Avenue (earlier called Henry Street). One by one stores, offices, and institutions (including the library and post office) relocated from 3rd avenue, displacing residences, including some homes of prominent residents.

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