The Bettendorf Wheel Company was one of the first QC PastPort destinations, sponsored by MetroLINK to take Quad Citizens and tourists to historical destinations at each of the Channel Cat Water Taxi stops.
Located At A Channel Cat Site
When you get off the Channel Cat boat at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf, you are standing where brothers, Joseph and William Bettendorf, originally built their factory for the Bettendorf Wheel Company. This enormous railroad car factory once was believed to be the largest roofed structure in the world, occupying about a mile of the Bettendorf riverfront, from the I-74 Bridge to 28th Street.
Bringing Bettendorf Wheel to The Quad Cities
Joseph and William brought their design for a metal wagon wheel from Peru, Illinois to the Quad Cities and founded their manufacturing company in 1886. This was a golden opportunity for the brothers and the people in the community, as there was a great demand for the Bettendorf wheel. Their design was substantially more durable than the competition, with the wires connecting the rim of the wheel to the hub more tightly secured than competing wheels.
The company soon became the largest manufacturer in the Iowa Quad Cities. They expanded into other manufacturing areas, including a bolt-less truck for railroad cars. The brothers were so successful, in 1903, the 440 residents who were eligible voted to incorporate the riverfront town and rename it in honor of the Bettendorf brothers.
Visit This Destination!
Next time you take the Channel Cat, or you’re in Bettendorf, take the time to visit this destination and stand in the place where history happened.