Quarters One tours scheduled for September 20, 2008 and October 18, 2008 are full. Previously scheduled Quarters One tours for November 15, 2008 and December 20, 2008 have been cancelled.

Since Quarters One tours were initially announced in March 2008, the response from the public has been overwhelming. In the past six months, nearly 5,000 people have toured this historic home on Arsenal Island.

Questions? Please leave a message on the tour line at 309-782-3488.

Construction of Quarters One began in 1870, and the residence was ready for occupancy in 1872. It served as the family home of the highest-ranking officer on the Arsenal and was the second-largest single family residence owned by the federal government, behind only the White House.

Two years ago, the Army determined that Quarters One needed approximately $3 million in repairs and upgrades to bring it up to modern standards. Earlier this year, Maj. Gen. Robert M. Radin and his wife, Sara, moved out of Quarters One to Quarters Six, another historic residence on the Arsenal. Future uses for Quarters One are being considered.

The tours are the first offered to the public since April 30, 2005. On that date, and on previous occasions, the Rock Island Arsenal Women’s Club offered tours of Quarters One and other historic residences on the installation. Fees were charged, with proceeds benefiting local and military charities.