The
City of Keithsburg was founded in 1837 by Robert Keith, a Scotchman, who emigrated to America in 1834. Keithsburg is also known as Middle
Yellowbanks, being situated in the Yellowbanks Territory, a name given by the
Sac and Fox Indians for the sandy yellow clay soil in the riverbanks. The
Yellowbanks Territory, consisting of Keithsburg, New Boston and Oquawka became
part of the Military Tract which entitled veterans of the War of 1812 to parcels
of land as military bounty.
There are numerous historical buildings in Keithsburg that
are listed on the Historical Register.