MUSCATINE

city, seat (1836) of Muscatine county, eastern Iowa, U.S., on the Mississippi River, 32 mi (51 km) southwest of Davenport. Founded as a trading post in 1833, it was first called Bloomington but was renamed (1850), probably for the Mascoutin Indians whose name means burning island or fiery nation. Muscatine Island, nearby, is noted for its experimental farm (operated by Iowa State University) and for its melons and vegetables. Industry is diversified and includes the manufacture of plastics, metal products, and food processing. The city's once distinctive pearl button industry (using mussel shells from the Mississippi) has declined since the advent of plastics. Fairport National Fish Hatchery is 8 mi east. Muscatine Community College opened in 1929. Inc. town, 1839; city, 1851. Pop. (1990) 22,881.