A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
During this year of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, it is an opportune time...
Jared L. Olar
February 19, 2026
The first 19 years of Pekin’s history cover the period when our...
Jared L. Olar
March 14, 2024
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
In September 2013 and January 2014, we recalled a dramatic story that...
Jared L. Olar
July 14, 2022
The founding of Pekin was due to the influx of settlers of...
Jared L. Olar
April 13, 2018
From the Archives
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history. Each article offers a closer look at the community’s past while preserving the local stories and experiences that connect generations.
Explore Your Roots
Discover your Family's History
Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.
