The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and it was designated a Rock Island landmark in 1987.

[1][2] In 1845 local civic leaders began planning the construction of the railroad to Rock Island.

The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi was built between Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa, opening on April 21, 1856.

The depot was built by Rock Island contractor John Volk for $75,000 and featured Conosera tiles produced by Ludowici.

The building deteriorated until 1994 when the city of Rock Island bought the property from the Iowa Interstate Railroad.