A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Roots of religion in Illinois Before the arrival of European explorers and...
Jared L. Olar
August 27, 2026
As we have mentioned here more than once, William H. Bates (1840-1930)...
Jared L. Olar
May 7, 2026
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
Gideon Hawley (1797-1852) and his family were among the earliest pioneer settlers...
Jared L. Olar
July 9, 2025
In a previous post here, we looked into the historical accounts and legends...
Jared L. Olar
March 21, 2024
The first 19 years of Pekin’s history cover the period when our...
Jared L. Olar
March 14, 2024
Pekin Mayor Mary Burress will formally inaugurate Pekin’s yearlong calendar of Bicentennial...
Jared L. Olar
January 18, 2024
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
April 21, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
January 8, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
November 8, 2019
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.
