Quarters 1 (Rock Island) facts for kids

Quarters 1 (Building 301)
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Quarters One, Rock Island Arsenal
Location in Illinois Show map of Illinois Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Rock Island Arsenal
Area	21,965 square feet
Built	1870-1872
Architect	General Thomas J. Rodman et al.
Architectural style	Italianate
Part of	Rock Island Arsenal
NRHP reference No.	69000057
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	September 30, 1969
Designated NHL	June 7, 1988

Quarters One (also known as Building 301) was once the home of the top military leader at Rock Island Arsenal. This important place is in Rock Island, Illinois, right by the Mississippi River. With 51 rooms and a huge size of 21,965 square feet, Quarters One is the second biggest government home in the United States. Only the White House is larger!

History of Quarters One

Quarters One as seen from the Mississippi River

Building Quarters One started in May 1870. General Thomas S. Rodman began the work. It was finished in 1872 under Major Flagler. This large house was built to be the home for the highest-ranking officer. It also provided a space for important official meetings and events. The building was designed in the beautiful Italianate style.

The very first big event held here was in 1871. It was for the funeral of General Rodman. Over the years, many famous people stayed at Quarters One. Charles Lindbergh, a famous pilot, visited in 1927. In 1996, King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden also stayed here.

In 2006, the Army decided to stop using it as a family home. The last people to live there were Major General and Mrs. Robert M. Radin. They moved out in 2008. Sometimes, tours of the building are offered to the public. The Army is now looking for new ways to use this historic building. In 2011, it was thought that at least $6 million was needed for repairs.