The Village of Rapids City

Located at the upper end of the Rock Island Rapids, Rapids City grew around the site of a grist and saw mill. Laid out in 1838 and incorporated in 1875, the village boomed during the 1870's through the 1880's. Because of neighboring coal mines during this period, grocery and dry goods stores, a blacksmith shop, a restaurant, hotel, millinery and shoe store provided services for miners, farmers, and their families. Charles Shuler operated the Rapids City Coal Mining Company during the 1880's.

Modern day Rapids City is located in the eastern portion of the Quad City metropolitan area along the banks of the Mississippi river in northwestern Illinois. It is a part of Rock Island County and is situated where Interstate 80 crosses into Iowa. Rapids City's land area equals 960 acres with a perimeter boundary just under 6 miles. The current population of 960 citizens is growing due to increased housing starts in new subdivisions.