European-American Settlement thumb|right|Rock Island in 1865 The original portion of what is now known as Rock Island was called Farnhamsburg – after the original two homes were built by Colonel George Davenport and Russell Farnham in 1826. Davenport and Farnham were business partners, trading with the local Native Americans. The original city plat was filed on July 10, 1835, and was named Stephenson. It was renamed Rock Island in March 1841.
European-American Settlement thumb|right|Rock Island in 1865 The original portion of what is now known as Rock Island was called Farnhamsburg – after the original two homes were built by Colonel George Davenport and Russell Farnham in 1826 Davenport and Farnham were business partners trading with the local Native Americans The original city plat was filed on July 10 1835 and was named Stephenson It was renamed Rock Island in March 1841