CHICAGO & R. I. RAILROAD RIGHTS

Prior to the recognition by the government of the desirability of the Island of Rock Island as the proper site for the location ot a permanent manufacturing depot, a portion of the island had been sold by special act of Congress to the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad.

This road had placed its tracks across the island and built upon its banks the abutments for its bridges. In order to buy the interests of private parties, a commission composed of General J. M. Scofield, Selden M. Church and James Barnes was appointed to appraise the lands thus involved and these were finally purchased at a total cost of $221,035.

On June 27, 1866, Congress approved an appropriation bill naming the sum necessary to purchase these rights and authorizing the relocation of the railroad bridge and providing for compensating the railroad company for changing its route across the island. Included in this act was provision for an appropriation sufficient to begin work on developing the water power.

Under this act and others approved as necessary, the government cooperated with the railroad company in the construc­ tion of an .iron bridge which served for general purposes until the construction of the present magnificent bridge, sharing the expense and securing a free wagon way in addition to the railroad tracks, the latter being elevated above the railway, making a double decked bridge from the island to Davenport, la., on the west bank of the river.

 

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