Rock Island Arsenal Museum is the second oldest US Army Museum. Its primary mission is history of Rock Island Arsenal and a premiere small arms collection.

The significant small arms collection includes rare examples. There is a serial number 1 of the Model 1903 rifle and serial number 2 of the M1 Garand rifle. 5 weapons have been positively identified as Sioux or Cheyenne owned weapons used at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. There is one of five Rappahannock Forge wall guns known to exist. There is serial number 1 of the basic issue M9 pistol and of the General Officers M9 pistol, as well as examples of the eight XM9 test candidates.

Due to security, buses are not allowed on the island.

Arsenal Island was home to a Confederate prison camp, the Rock Island Prison Barracks. The camp was operational from December 1863 to July 1865. Incomplete records exist concerning the 12,192 prisoners that were held here. The records can be searched for Civil War ancestors held at the prison camp.

Rock Island Arsenal was established by Act of Congress in 1862. The arsenal has been an active manufacturer of military equipment and ordnance since the 1880s. Our diverse products have included leather horse equipment, meat cans and canteens, paper targets, artillery recoil mechanisms and carriages, and the Model 1903 rifle.