Stewartville

Beginning in 1872, Dr. Jacob Stewart platted about 90 acres of land for residential development in this area that was clearly separated from the rest of Moline at the time. He provided land and houses for people of modest means, many of whom initially walked to work in the Mill Town factories, up to two miles each way. Growth of the area spurted after the horse-drawn trolley arrived in 1884 and the electric trolley arrived in 1889.

A substantial business district developed along 16th Street (previously called 15th Street, Rodman Avenue, and Rock River Road). Much older than any surrounding residential area, Stewartville was annexed to Moline in 1896. Because no streets, businesses, or institutions retained the name “Stewartville,” this area lost its distinct identity in the early 20th century.

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