HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PLANT

During Colonel Blunt's administration, there was a great expansion in the manufacturing capacity of the arsenal, and over $1.200,000 worth of modern machinery was installed in the shops, the power transmission being changed from the wire rope of the water power to the modern hydro-electric plant of ample capacity for all requirements.

The main channel of the Mississippi river is between the island and the Iowa shore, while a narrower branch is between the island and the Illinois shore. Across the latter, a short distance above the shops, a masonry dam was constructed to utilize the rapids opposite and above the island. This gives a water power of ample capacity with a head of from seven and one-half to eleven feet according to the stage of the river, and three alternating generators of 1,050 kilowat capacity operated by twenty turbines, have been installed to supply electric power.

These have the necessary exciters, switchboards, etc. required. Housing this installation is a building that is not only useful, but ornamental as well, and of great interest to visitors. The present 3.000 horse power can easily be increased whenever necessary by utilizing penstocks on the dam not now occupied and installing the additional machinery which such action would necessitate. None of the navy yards or other arsenals have the advantages afforded by this liberal water supply and the power plant with its consequent facilities for manufacturing is one of the most distinguishing features of the Rock Island arsenal. The electric power is also used in the armory in operating the elevators in the shops, for heating, for providing lavatory conveniences, lighting purposes both for the buildings and grounds, operating the machinery in running the small trolley cars and for various other purposes.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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