Muscatine

Welcome to Muscatine!

The town that is now known as Muscatine began its existence in the summer of 1833 when Colonel George Davenport of Rock Island, Illinois, set up a trading post in part of the unexplored territory along the Mississippi River.

James W. Casey staked a claim near the present Broadway Street and the river in 1835, and began cutting timber to sell as fuel for the steamboats that stopped.

For the next two years, this area, which included Colonel Davenport's trading post, was called Casey's Woodpile or Casey's Landing. 

In 1836, Colonel Vantater purchased Colonel Davenport’s trading post and with this purchase, Colonel Vantater began to create the plans for a town. He named the town after his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, and in 1837, Bloomington was made the county seat.

Over the years, it became increasingly difficult to receive mail in Bloomington. It was often sent to Bloomington, Illinois or Bloomington, Indiana and sometimes Burlington, Iowa. In 1850, the new name of Muscatine was adopted for both the town and the country. The name Muscatine is unique – even today, there is no other city in the United States or the World with the same name. 

The exact origins of the name Muscatine are unknown. Some historians believe it was taken from the Mascoutin Indians who lived in the area during the 18th century. Others believe it came from the Indian name for what is now known as Muscatine Island. It is known though, that “Muscatine” means “Fiery Nation”.  more...