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Register now for Channel Cat Talks, Riverine Walks
Plan to take part in EXPLORE THE RIVER, a summertime education program, with some new sessions. Classes are taught by professionals in river-related topics from biology to river folktales, Sylvan Island to Arsenal Island history.
- To download a brochure with registration form, CLICK HERE.
- Pre-registration for all sessions is required. If you prefer to pay at the event please call 563-322-2969 to reserve your space.
- To register online for Channel Cat Talks, CLICK HERE.
- To register online for Riverine Walks, CLICK HERE. (If you are a River Action member, you qualify for free admission to Riverine Walks. Rather than fill out the online shopping cart, simply call the River Action office at 563-322-2969 to reserve your Riverine Walk date and time.)
All Riverine Walk sessions meet at different locations - be sure to see program details for specific information. Make registration checks payable to River Action, 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803. All sessions are RAIN OR SHINE, no refunds. If you have questions or comments, call 563.322.2969 or send an email to riveraction@riveraction.org.
Channel Cat Talks
History of first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River
A pictorial history of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River and its three successors
by Curtis C. Roseman
When the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad was completed in 1854 under the direction of Henry Farnam and his partner Joseph Sheffield, it became the first to connect the East with the Mississippi River. This map shows the completion dates at various points along the route westward from Chicago. One of the reasons this route was chosen was the relative ease with which the Mississippi could be bridged at Rock Island. This reach of the Mississippi River, the location of the Rock Island Rapids, is geologically youthful. Its narrow channel with a limestone island (Rock Island) could be used as a stepping-stone for the bridge. (Map drawn by the Cartography class at Augustana College, Spring 2003, under the direction of Kathy Dowd)
