With more than 200 historic photographs, Moline: City of Mills offers an overview of this dynamic river town located on the southern shore of the mighty Mississippi River. This book helps to celebrate 150 years of Moline's history, beginning with its incorporation in 1848. The city's history is closely tied to the Mississippi River. The name Moline comes from the French word "moulin," meaning "mill." The river, together with some famous entrepreneurs, helped industry flourish in Moline. John Deere and his steel plow turned the city into the "agricultural implement center of the world." During its lifetime, Moline has experienced steady growth, welcoming a variety of peoples and cultures. Continued commercial prosperity and a bright future are sure to allow for another interesting 150 years for Moline. Found within the pages of this volume, a special birthday gift from three longtime Moline residents, is a look back in time and an up-to-date panorama of people and places.