Credit Island facts for kids
| Credit Island | |
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Quick facts for kids ,_Scott_County_September_1,_2014.png)
War of 1812 Memorial on Credit Island
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, US |
| Area | 420-acre (1.7 km2) |
| Operated by | Davenport Parks and Recreation Department |
| Open | All year |
| Designated: | February 3, 1999 |
| Reference #: | 27 |
| Battle of Credit Island | |||||||
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| Part of the War of 1812 | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United Kingdom Sauk |
 United States |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Black Hawk |
Zachary Taylor |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 1,230 | 350 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | 2 killed; 11 wounded | ||||||
Credit Island is an island in the Mississippi River located southwest of Davenport, Iowa. It is part of the Quad Cities area. The island got its name because it was an early trading post for Native Americans. Traders would give "credit" (like a loan) for animal hides and skins that would be delivered later.
Credit Island was added to the Davenport Register of Historic Properties on February 3, 1999.
Contents
Credit Island's Role in the War of 1812
Credit Island was the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. This battle, known as the Battle of Credit Island, took place on September 4–5, 1814. It was one of the westernmost battles of the war.
In this battle, Sauk warriors, supported by the British, fought against a group of American soldiers. The American forces were led by Major Zachary Taylor, who later became a U.S. President.
Preparing for the Battle
Before the battle, British Captain Thomas G. Anderson and his allies gathered forces. They knew American troops were moving up the river. Native American groups like the Sioux and Renards joined the British and Sauk. They prepared to defend the area.
The Battle Begins
American Major Taylor led over 350 U.S. soldiers and militia. Their goal was to help the fort at Prairie du Chien. On the evening of September 4, Taylor's group camped near the Rock River. That night, Black Hawk and his warriors attacked Taylor's guards, killing two American soldiers.
At dawn, as Taylor's boats prepared to land, three British cannons opened fire. Under heavy attack, Taylor's forces had to retreat down the river. They lost 11 more men who were wounded.
Black Hawk's Account of the Fighting
Black Hawk, a famous Sauk leader, was involved in these battles. He later wrote about his experiences. He described a time when one U.S. boat got stuck near the shore. His warriors attacked it, setting its sail on fire. Other American boats came to rescue the crew.
Black Hawk recalled: "The boat was soon in flames." He noted how brave some American leaders were, even in defeat. His warriors found supplies on the captured boat, which they shared. They also found items that they threw into the river.
Later, Black Hawk's group, along with British soldiers, set up a cannon. They dug places for the gunners to be safe. When more American boats came up the river, they fired on them. Black Hawk was ready for a big fight, but the American boats quickly sailed away. They did not stop until they were far down the river, where they started building a fort.
Credit Island Today
Today, Credit Island is a large public park. It covers about 420 acres (1.7 square kilometers). The Davenport Parks and Recreation Department manages it.
The park offers many activities for visitors. You can find a disc golf course, fields for rugby, soccer, baseball, and softball. It's also a great spot for fishing and picnics. There's a bicycle trail for riding. Many public events are held here. People also enjoy visiting Credit Island for sightseeing and watching eagles.
In 2010, the city of Davenport received money to study the island's history through archaeology. In 2012, work began on a new bridge. This bridge connects the Mississippi River Trail bike path to Concord Street in Davenport. The Credit Island Lodge caught fire in 2013 but was rebuilt and reopened in 2015.
Other Names for Credit Island
Credit Island has been known by several names throughout history. On government maps from the early 1800s, it was officially called Credit Island. However, as the island changed owners and was used for different purposes, other names appeared.
Offerman's Island: 1868 - 1903
Around 1868, John and Dorothea Offerman bought the island. They renamed it Offerman's Island. Maps from the late 1800s show John Offerman as the owner. Before this, the island was also called Suburban Island, Grand Island, and Manhattan Island. In 1901, the Offerman family sold the island. In 1903, it was renamed The Grand Isle.
Suburban Island: 1904 - 1918
Private owners bought the island in 1904 and renamed it Suburban Island. It became a popular place for recreation, with swimming and sports. This was before World War I. In the early 1900s, several amusement parks opened in the Quad Cities area, including one on Suburban Island. This park had a "Figure 8" roller coaster from 1905. The amusement park likely closed by 1918.
In 1918, the City of Davenport bought the island. They held a contest to rename it, and "Credit Island" was chosen as the winner. A golf course later replaced the old picnic grounds and swimming areas.
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See also
In Spanish: Isla Credit para niños
