The square itself, which sported a fountain topped with the statue of Lady of Germania, was the site of German beer gardens, outdoor music events, veterans’ celebrations and other community gatherings.

In 2006 a new gateway park at the foot of the Centennial Bridge was installed and it contains a statue of the Lady of Germania that was modeled on the one that once graced the square.

Washington Square, and what is now the West Third Street Historic District, was lined with buildings that had small shops with residential space above.

As the 20th century continued larger and more modern buildings were built closer to the central business district, and the areas further to the west started to decline.

[7] The combination of land use and different building types gives the district a unique character that is not found elsewhere in Davenport.

Generally, they are one and two-story side-gabled structures that can be expanded saltbox fashion in the back, or they could be extended on one or both ends.

For the most part, the houses are located on the west side of the district and the commercial buildings to the east.

The older buildings in the district are side-gable structures designed in a vernacular Greek Revival style.

The commercial buildings were three to three and a half stories tall with cast iron storefronts and window bays on the upper floors.

Media related to West Third Street Historic District (Davenport, Iowa) at Wikimedia Commons