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) is the former residence of the highest-ranking officer at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois on the banks of the Mississippi River. At 51 rooms and 21,965 square feet, Quarters One is the second-largest federal residence in the United States, behind the White House.

History

Quarters 1 as seen from the Mississippi River

Work begun on Quarters One under General Thomas S. Rodman in May 1870 and was completed in 1872 under Major Flagler. The home was built for the purpose of providing quarters for the highest-ranking officer as well as providing space for official gatherings and functions. The building was designed in the Italianate style. The first major gathering held in the residence was in 1871 for the funeral of General Rodman. Over the years, many dignitaries and notable personalities stayed at the residence including Charles Lindbergh in 1927 and King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden in 1996. In 2006, the Army decided to discontinue its use as a residence. The last occupants, Maj. Gen and Mrs. Robert M. Radin, left in 2008. Tours are offered occasionally, and the Army is currently exploring other uses for the building. In 2011, it was estimated that at least $6 million in work was needed.