EICC/SCC: The History of Bettendorf

Once upon a time two small villages were settled by German immigrants on the banks of the Mississippi River, side by side in the original Wisconsin Territory. One was named Gilbert after the gentleman who platted the town and the other Lilienthal named for a popular tavern and dancehall. Eventually, both villages joined to become the village of Gilbert. At the beginning of the 20th century, the residents purchased 70 acres of land along the Mississippi for industrialists William and Joseph Bettendorf on the condition that they build a factory for their iron wagon manufacturing. In 1903 the 440 citizens petitioned for the town to become incorporated, requesting the town’s name be changed to Bettendorf to honor the brothers’ thriving business. As the company grew, the town prospered and the histories of it and the Bettendorf brothers became inseparable. On Tuesday, July 21, join historian John Brassard as he tells the story of Bettendorf and the Bettendorf family legacy through the eyes of the family so instrumental in the early development of the city.

This presentation will be a broad overview of the history of Bettendorf, told from the point of view of the Bettendorf Company. It will touch on the agricultural roots of the city when it was still named Gilbert, then progress forward through time, touching on the major developments in the city through the 1950s. Highlights will include the Bettendorf Company, the two Bettendorf Mansions, Ross’, and the I-74 bridge.

To learn out about Bettendorf’s history, please call Scott Community College at 563-441-4001 to register for Class 9889. It will be at The Outing Club in Davenport from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and include lunch for the cost of $22.00.

Your Plus 55 Club board has provided a community grant this year to help financially support the Scott Community College’s 2020 Learn with Lunch program series, including this one.