Today we traveled to Rock Island, IL – The Arsenal. This is an active military base where military armaments are still made. The massive sandstone block buildings were all begun right after the Civil War, and are nearly all still in use. We saw one that was being renovated. There is an incredible amount of history on this island, including a fortification which dates from pre-Revolutionary War times.

There is a display of foreign captured and American tanks and big guns (mostly Howitzers) on the grounds.

There is a National Cemetery and a Confederate Cemetery – there was a prisoner of war camp on the island, and 955 confederate prisoners died in the first three months they were there of smallpox and pneumonia. There was no hospital.

The cemeteries were a somber reminder that we are never far from a conflict, no matter what we may believe. War is far more likely to break out than is peace – whatever chances peace may be given.

We went through the museum – a great display of guns from all eras. I’d still recommend the Cody museum for a definitive look at the whole history of firearms.

A wall gun from the Revolutionary War

Tonight we are making food for the family gathering tomorrow night. The day has turned muggy. The cicadas have already begun their loud song.