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Model 1903 Rifle manufacture
Rock Island Arsenal began manufacturing the Model 1903 rifle, a .30 caliber, bolt-action rifle, on May 8, 1904. Serial number one was completed on December 20, 1904. From 1904 until 1913, approximately 235,000 rifles were produced for the US soldier. -
Tin Shops
Rock Island Arsenal’s tin shop manufactured canteens, cups, meat pans (mess kits), and other equipment used by the US soldier. Heavier work, such as galvanized powder cans and muzzle covers for big guns, was also accomplished. -
Manufacturing Floor
Rock Island Arsenal began manufacturing the Model 1903 rifle, a .30 caliber, bolt-action rifle, on May 8, 1904. Serial number one was completed on December 20, 1904. From 1904 until 1913, approximately 235,000 rifles were produced for the US soldier. The Receiver Department was located on the first floor, east wing of Shop B (Building 60), the present location of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. -
Davenport House
The Rock Island County Old Settlers’ Association signed an agreement to save Colonel George Davenport’s home on Rock Island Arsenal. John Volk, a Rock Island building contractor was hired. By the first week of January 1907, he and his employees had completed the job. They were only able to save the main house structure. The signs and outbuildings were razed. -
Arsenal Employees Pose
Arsenal employees pose in front of the water reservoir about 1910. Employment at that time was 1,653 workers. -
Fort Armstrong
From 1816 to 1836, Fort Armstrong was located on the island of Rock Island and served as a cornerstone for the developing local community. Its importance was recognized in 1916 when a committee of local citizens built a replica blockhouse to mark the site of the former fort. The dedication of the replica blockhouse on June 19, 1916, was the central event in a week of centennial celebration activities. The festivities included a “Court of Honor” on Rock Island Arsenal. -
WWI Rifle Manufacture
In September of 1916, the decision was made to once again manufacture the Model 1903 rifle at Rock Island Arsenal. This rifle and the Model 1917 rifle were the two primary weapons issued to US soldiers during the First World War. -
