CIVILIZATION'S ADDED BEAUTY George B. Sargent, at one time mayor of Davenport, in a little work entitled "Notes on Iowa," published in 1848, in copying the foregoing adds:  "It is interesting to mark the changes that have taken place since the above description was written.  On the western side, with the beautifully rounded hills in the background, now stands Davenport.  On the other side, which was then occupied by the Sac and Fox village, is now the flourishing town of Rock Island, in Illinois.  Fort Armstrong is abandoned and in ruins.  All along the banks of the river are seen the marks of civilization and improvement.  But though the scenery has lost some of its wildness, it retains its original characteristic, and has gained many pleasant features.  The towns of Rock Island and Davenport, the old fort with its deserted blockhouses, the Mississippi, winding gracefully above and below, Rock river branching off through the woods, the forest-covered island, the high, wooded bluffs, and the rich, green prairies of Illinois, form a picture which, for beauty, variety and extent, can hardley be surpassed. "The healthfulness and beauty of the situation, together with the facilities for hunting and fishing in its neighborhood, have made the place the fashionable resort during the summer months of large numbers of people from St. Louis and other southern cities.  It has hitherto been more noted on this account than as a place of trade; but the business of the town is now rapidly on the increase.  There are several flourishing stores and two large flouring mills have been erected during the past year, one of which is already in operation.  Most of the houses are substantially built of brick.  The  hotel and courthouse are large and handsome buildings." Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L