Bucktown, Davenport facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bucktown, Davenport
Historic neighborhood
A street in Bucktown, including the Bucktown Center for the Arts.
Bucktown, Davenport Location in Iowa
Country	United States
State	Iowa
City	Davenport

Bucktown is a historic neighborhood in Davenport, Iowa. It's located on the eastern side of downtown, right along the Mississippi River. Many German immigrants settled here long ago. In the early 1900s, Bucktown was a very lively place. It was known for its many gathering spots and entertainment venues.

Bucktown's Lively Past

Bucktown was a busy part of Davenport, especially at night. It was a popular spot for people working on riverboats. Many German immigrants also made their homes here. They brought their traditions, like enjoying family entertainment in outdoor beer gardens.

Music and Entertainment

This area became famous for its exciting music and dance halls. People could enjoy German music pavilions and other fun places. It was a hub for different kinds of entertainment.

Famous musicians often played in Bucktown. Jazz music was very popular here. Legendary artists like Louis Armstrong from New Orleans performed in the area. The talented jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke, who was from Davenport, also played his music in Bucktown.

A Center for Culture and Arts

Bucktown was not just known for its lively entertainment. It was also a very important place for arts and culture. Many German immigrants moved to Davenport after the Revolutions of 1848 in Europe. They brought their rich cultural customs with them.

German Influence on the Arts

These German traditions helped shape Bucktown's identity. Art and music were a big part of everyday life for the German community. They believed that everyone should be able to enjoy the arts.

In 1856, German immigrants in Davenport formed the German Strasser Union Marching Band. This group was very important for music in the city.

Davenport's Musical Heritage

The Tri City Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1916. It was one of the earliest symphony orchestras in the United States. A large part of its first members came from the Strasser Marching Band. Because of this, some historians think the orchestra might be one of the oldest music groups in the country.

Davenport has always been a city that loves the arts. Even before there were paved streets, the city had grand opera houses. These beautiful buildings had tall, domed ceilings. Opera groups from Chicago would travel to Davenport to perform in these theaters.

The Burtis Opera House

One of the most famous opera houses was the Burtis Opera House. This historic building still stands today in the Bucktown District.

Early Art Museums

Davenport was also home to the nation's first public art gallery. It was created in 1925 by a German immigrant named Charles August Ficke. This gallery was the beginning of the Davenport Museum of Art. Today, it is known as the Figge Art Museum.