The Rise and Fall of Rock Island, Illinois: A Midwest Manufacturing Hub 🏭

Rock Island once helped build the Midwest — fueling industry, supplying the military, and manufacturing farm equipment for thousands across the country. But today? You can walk through downtown and hear your own echo.

In this video, we dive deep into:
🏭 The rise and fall of Rock Island’s manufacturing era — from Harvester to Plow Co.
⚙️ How the union wars between the FE and UAW tore apart local industry
🎰 Failed revival attempts, from pedestrian malls to casinos
🏚️ Downtown decline, empty storefronts, and the long fight to rebuild
🏡 The beauty of the Broadway Historic District and the Hauberg Estate
📜 The city’s wild Prohibition-era history with crime boss John Looney
🎓 Augustana College and the few bright spots still keeping the city afloat
📉 Rock Island’s modern economy — and how it compares to the rest of Illinois
🧮 And finally… my Chris Livability Score for the city

If you like these deep dives into forgotten American cities, hit 👍 Like, 🔔 Subscribe, and drop a comment —
Do you think Rock Island can make a comeback?

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Chris Harden's Travel Archives: https://www.youtube.com/@chrishardenarchives
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INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=34.29834970801405%2C-91.53765609999999&z=5

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I have other social media that you can follow me on as well. Through a DM or Email, you contact me for collaborations, video ideas or for basic fan mail:

SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO:
Email: ChrisHardenYT@Gmail.com
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!