Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-03-09
Gorresp0mbsmte.
DAVENPORT, Soorr Co, IowA,(
February 7. 1855.

rcoruary ~ 700.
Mr.. GooDwIS:-Scarccly a week
passes away without my receiving a
letter from some quarter of your state
earnestly soliciting me 10 give the wri-
ters some description of our beautiful
youngand rapidly growing state.
propose in few brief communi-
cations, written us time will allow to
give a sketch Of few of the most
thriving river towns in our State, and
Of the farming facilities offered in the
central part OF the State to the indus
trious agriculturist.
Over eighteen years ago / became
a citizen OF Scott county, where l still
reside, and | feel warranted in saying
that the sun does not shine on coun.
try of more beauty, better soil. or bet
Ter prospects Of wealth and distinction
in every way TINA isherc presented.
For health, it is unrivslled by any wes-
tern, and | fear not to say, by any
eastern state in the Union, and aware
Of this every State in the Union SEEM
to be contributing to the general pros
|perity. This city, this young beautis
full Queen City Of Iowa." as it is by
many, justly called, stands on the
north bank of the noble Mississippi,
opposite the foot Of Rock Island, on
which stands Fort Armstrong, now
vacated, and Immediately opposite the
beautiful and rapidly growing city of
Rock Island.
Far abler pens than mine have in
vain attempted to portray the beauties
Of Davenport and its surroundings
/ shall briefly statea few facts in re-
gard to its advantages for the benefit
Of your numerous readers, and defer
description of the adjacent country
to my next.
In 1886 this city was laid of on a
part Of section Of land donated by
the Indians to Antonio lie Clare, Esq,
by him, he being a half breed, but
did not progress with greater papidity
than some other river towns in our
state till some three years ago since
which time it has out-stripped every
other city in the state, in point ofnum-
bers of inhabitants and substantial i'm
provements. Davenport now contains
1000 Of as moral, enlightened and in
dustrious a people as can be found in
the west. A number of large and well
finished churches are here, ,amongwhich
are an Episcopalian, Presbyterian,
Baptist, Methodist, Congregational,
Deciples and Catholic-all being well
attended by large congregations who
are preached to by eloquent and exem.
plary ministers, possessing high or
der of talent; several large FIGURING
Mills, six Saw Mills, two Foundries,
Gass Works in forward state of com.
pletion, also Planning Mills, Plough
Factories, half dozen large Stove
and Tin Stores or Shops, the usual
number of Dry Goods, Groceries,
Clothing, Hardware and other stores
thirty or more Limbs of the Law, with
a goodly sprinkling of NJ. DIS. One
Daily Newspaper, Gazette, Whig)
two Weeklies, one American and one
German. One College well conduct,
ed-many students, several private
and district Schools. splendid Semina,
ry for young ladies-in fact everything
that can constitute and add to the rap,
id growth of a city in embrayo here
The Mississippi d Missouri Railroad
crosses the river here. The bridge
spanning the broad bosom of ths
"Father Of Waters" israpidly progres
sing to completion and ere anothel
summer rolls away, the Iron Hors,
will be dashing with unrestrained speed
to snuff the exhilarating breeze tha
fans our western prairies. Who then
at this time, can venture to predic
the future greatness of our Queer
City? Every branch of industry ant
trade meet q just reward here. M
pressure has yet reached our, happy
shores. No failures or cries of III,
naked, the houseless, or the furnishing
pain our ears or darken our vision.-
Happy people! No Bank failure
or broken merchants within our bord