ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026) — QC PastPort and Visit Quad Cities will hold a ribbon-cutting Tuesday, August 18, 3PM, with the help of the City of Rock Island to unveil an interactive, historical destination marker focused on Dred Scott’s experience living here in the Quad Cities from 1833-1836. This will be the ninth destination installed through the help of Visit Quad Cities and the 26th destination installed through the work of QC PastPort in Rock Island. The event will be held just east of Schwiebert Park (101 17th St, Rock Island) on the Great River Trail.
This historical marker includes an in-depth historical narrative and audio production about Dred Scott’s life with a focus on his time here in the Quad Cities. Residents and Visitors alike can access this history by texting a code into their phone when visiting this destination marker.
Dred Scott was an enslaved man brought to Rock Island, Illinois by US Army Physician, Dr John Emerson, in 1833 to serve at Fort Armstrong located on what is today Rock Island Arsenal. Although he lived here briefly, his life and legacy have a lasting impact on our country. Alongside his wife, Harriet, Dred Scott made the brave and consequential decision to sue for their freedom starting in 1847 in part because of his time at Fort Armstrong. Popularly known as the “Dred Scott Decision,” the Supreme Court ruled against the Scotts in 1857 but profoundly shaped the course of American history.
"We are excited for everyone to learn more about the Scotts through this fun interactive approach,” said Dave Herrell, Director, Visit Quad Cities.
“QC PastPort does such a great job of capturing the history of our area and sharing it in such a unique way. Come learn about this destination and so many of the others located throughout our area."
Just a few feet from this marker for Dred Scott, is another recent QC PastPort addition focused on the history of Fort Armstrong. This destination was made possible through the help of The City of Rock Island. The information in these two destinations gives us a glimpse into what life was like in this area 200 years ago with audio depictions to help put you in the shoes of the folks who stood where you’re standing so long ago.
All of QC PastPort Destinations have an interactive sign to help you step back in time and understand what it must have been like where you’re standing decades or a century or two ago. Other QC PastPort destinations sponsored by Visit Quad Cities include Campbell’s Island, The Annie Wittenmyer Complex, The home of Antoine LeClaire, Wallace Field, Brettun & Black in Hampton, Prospect Park, The Hauberg Estate, and Sylvan Island.
About Visit Quad Cities:
Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the region. Visit Quad Cities’ goal is to gain global attention by leading Tourism Development, Destination Marketing, Visitor Experience, and Advocacy for our region. As the chief storyteller of the Quad Cities brand, they take great pride in sharing the QC story with the world. For more information, go to visitquadcities.com/.
About QC PastPort:
QC PastPort provides destinations where curious minds meet narratives from the past, by offering self-guided, interactive, physical and digital tours throughout the Quad Cities. Stops along this tour highlight architecture, businesses, institutions and fascinating sites through the stories of the people who were there at the time. For more information, go to qcpastport.com/.
