The Rock Island arsenal plays a pivotal role here in the Quad Cities.  It's a major employer and home to a National Cemetery.

The Arsenal is the only active U.S. Army foundry, and manufactures ordnance and equipment, including artillery, gun mounts, recoil mechanisms, small arms, aircraft weapons sub-systems, grenade launchers, weapons simulators, and a host of associated components.

-Wikipedia.com

It was once home of The Mean Gene Burger.  Yes, Mean Gene Okerlund from the WWE Wrestling organization once hosted a meet and greet for his burger chain in 2001.  I still remember the glowing review of our production director, Jeff.  He took a bite and said, "Wow.  That's a half assed burger."

Of course not everyone's only memory of the The Rock Island Arsenal isn't a television star from the 80's failed attempt at a burger joint.  That's just me.

Also...the Arsenal isn't going away. People say there have been rumors for 50 years...but there's no serious talk of it leaving.

But let's play pretend, shall we?

Retro Quad Cities on Facebook posted a great question:

Just for conversation sake, what would be the best purpose of the Rock Island Arsenal if it left? (All buildings and infrastructure would remain)

 

It's Not Leaving! But If It Did...What Would Be The Best Use of Arsenal Island?

Here are some of my favorite ideas on what it could become if for some reason they would shut it down:

A Look Inside The Scarface Mansion

Quad Cities Live Music Venues That Aren't Live Music Venues Anymore

Nostalgia Alert!.

We've compiled a quick list (by no means comprehensive) of venues in the Quad Cities that are no longer music venues but to us will ALWAYS hold a special place were we saw some great shows and made some incredible memories.

To many of us the live music scene wasn't just a concert here & there. It was an every weekend affair. And it didn't matter if it was a touring band or your buddy's band. We were going to be there with a beer in hand and scream along with guitars that were way too loud in a room that was improperly treated acoustically and make some bad decisions.

 

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