A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Perhaps the most notable of all the Revolutionary War Patriots who are...
Jared L. Olar
October 22, 2026
For Tazewell County, the Juneteenth holiday during the American Semiquincentennial year of...
Jared L. Olar
June 25, 2026
Tazewell County’s and Pekin’s newest military memorial was dedicated during the county’s...
Jared L. Olar
June 20, 2024
Ongoing research into the family of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) has recently uncovered...
Jared L. Olar
September 21, 2023
In June and July this summer “From the History Room” devoted some...
Jared L. Olar
December 1, 2022
In September 2013 and January 2014, we recalled a dramatic story that...
Jared L. Olar
July 14, 2022
Last week we reviewed the history of the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry,...
Jared L. Olar
June 16, 2022
We continue now with the genealogical account of the descendants of Nance...
Jared L. Olar
November 18, 2021
Recently this column reviewed the known black families who lived in Pekin...
Jared L. Olar
May 15, 2020
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.
