Company Markets Our Projects Bidding Opportunities Contact History Reaching more than a century of service is a rarity for any company, no matter the type. For heavy construction contractors, who often face greater long term challenges and risks than firms in other industries, the achievement is truly exceptional. We are one of few heavy construction contractors to have reached such a historic milestone. When our founder Patrick F. McCarthy emigrated from Ireland to Iowa at age seventeen, he could not have imagined the impact he would have on the industry. Starting out as a water boy, he quickly advanced to stone-cutter, to foreman, then became the superintendent. In 1897, he founded the McCarthy Stone Company in Davenport, IA and incorporated as McCarthy Improvement Company on Feb. 28, 1903. Five generations later, his family-run company is still committed to industry advancement. Explore our historical milestones below. 1897 Patrick F. McCarthy founded McCarthy Stone Company in Davenport, IA. Prev Next 1890 1897 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 In 1903, we incorporated and became McCarthy Improvement Company; the same time government initiatives to create roads and highways in America became popularly known as improvement projects. We paved numerous roads throughout Iowa and Illinois and constructed the foundation of the Centennial Bridge across the Mississippi River. By the 1920s, we employed over 500 workers at the peak of the construction season. This remarkable growth was largely due to the reputation we earned for performing quality work. Have an inquiry? Contact us. Search this site: SEARCH © 2021 McCarthy Improvement Company Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm 5401 Victoria Avenue Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 359-0321 Email Us Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube PART OF THE MCCARTHY-BUSH CORPORATION Visit Bush Construction Visit Clinton Engineering Visit AMSCO Visit McCarthy Bush Corporate Visit Linwood Mining Visit Oertel Metal Works Visit Blackheart Slag Privacy Policy Sitemap Accessibility Statement Site designed by Twin State Technical Services.