Father Louis Hennepin

A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.

This is an updated reprint of a “From the Local History Room”...

Jared L. Olar

July 10, 2020

When French missionaries and explorers first came to the Illinois Country in...

Jared L. Olar

December 22, 2017

From the Archives

A Closer Look at Pekin’s History

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.

From the Archives​

Discover your Family's History

Read stories about the people, places, events, landmarks, businesses, and everyday moments that helped shape Pekin’s history.