Quarters 1 (Rock Island)

Quarters One (also known as Building 301) is the former residence of the highest-ranking officer at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois on the banks of the Mississippi River. At 51 rooms and 21,965 square feet (2,040.6 m²),^[3] Quarters One is the second-largest federal residence in the United States, behind the White House.^[4]

Quarters 1 (Building 301)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Quarters One, Rock Island Arsenal
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Location	Rock Island Arsenal
Coordinates	41°31′1″N 90°32′31″W
Area	21,965 square feet (2,040.6 m2)
Built	1870-1872
Architect	General Thomas J. Rodman et al.
Architectural style	Italianate
Part of	Rock Island Arsenal
NRHP reference No.	69000057
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	September 30, 1969[1]
Designated NHL	June 7, 1988[2]

History

Quarters 1 as seen from the Mississippi River

Work begun on Quarters One under General Thomas S. Rodman in May 1870 and was completed in 1872 under Major Flagler. The home was built for the purpose of providing quarters for the highest-ranking officer as well as providing space for official gatherings and functions. The building was designed in the Italianate style. The first major gathering held in the residence was in 1871 for the funeral of General Rodman.^[4] Over the years, many dignitaries and notable personalities stayed at the residence including Charles Lindbergh in 1927^[4] and King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden in 1996.^[4] In 2006, the Army decided to discontinue its use as a residence. The last occupants, Maj. Gen and Mrs. Robert M. Radin, left in 2008.^[5] Tours are offered occasionally, and the building is available to rent for weddings, bridal parties, and other social and ceremonial events.^[6][7] In 2011, it was estimated that at least $6 million in work was needed.^[5]

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
2. "Rock Island Arsenal". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on February 13, 2006. Retrieved October 13, 2007.
3. "Rock Island Arsenal" (PDF). Retrieved May 8, 2011.
4. Mary Louise Speer (January 7, 2008). "Arsenal's Quarters One: End of an era for historical home". Qctimes.com. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
5. Gaul, Alma. "Quarters One opens its doors". The Quad-City Times. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
6. "Quarters One Tours". Ria.army.mil. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
7. "Quarters One". Rock Island Arsenal. United States Army. Retrieved September 28, 2024.

External links

• Official website