A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
During the first few decades following Illinois’ admission to the Union in...
Jared L. Olar
September 3, 2026
This is a revised and updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
August 6, 2026
As the United States of America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
July 2, 2026
Among the notable men of Pekin’s history, James Michael Haines (1822-1909) was...
Jared L. Olar
September 11, 2025
Though we’re now caught in winter’s icy grip, this week we’ll take...
Jared L. Olar
January 3, 2025
The seed from which Pekin grew was the log cabin that pioneer...
Jared L. Olar
November 27, 2024
In the Pekin Public Library’s Local History room collection is a copy...
Jared L. Olar
May 23, 2024
The first years of Pekin’s existence coincided with a period when men...
Jared L. Olar
April 18, 2024
In our previous installment in our Pekin Bicentennial series we reviewed the story...
Jared L. Olar
April 3, 2024
Our Bicentennial series on the history of Pekin continues this week with...
Jared L. Olar
March 28, 2024
In a previous post here, we looked into the historical accounts and legends...
Jared L. Olar
March 21, 2024
As we continue this week with the history of 405 Willow St.,...
Jared L. Olar
March 23, 2023
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.
