50 Years of Re-Imagining the Riverfront

Gates Thomas, Professor, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

The Mississippi riverbank between Prospect Park and the Government Bridge encapsulates Davenport’s historical and economic development. Along this short stretch of the riverfront trail lie the sites of two Indian treaties, the first bridge across the Mississippi, several historic homes and structures, and one of Davenport’s two original industrial zones, which produced everything from flour, lumber, window sashes, concrete, kit-home advertising, and radio broadcasting. Since the mid-1970s, this has been an area in transition. Many of the old structures below River Drive have been razed, the land cleared and repurposed. The construction of the riverfront trail made this area accessible for the first time since the 19th century. This tour will place historical events in their modern context, allowing participants to imagine the changes in Davenport’s riverfront over several generations.

Learn more and purchase tickets for this special event here.