A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
While Pekin traces its origin to the 1824 arrival of Jonathan Tharp...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2024
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
As previously noted in this column, the city of Pekin was established...
Jared L. Olar
June 22, 2018
The founding of Pekin was due to the influx of settlers of...
Jared L. Olar
April 13, 2018
The Black Hawk War of 1832 is a significant moment in Illinois...
Jared L. Olar
October 28, 2016
One of the publications in the Pekin Public Library’s Local History Room...
Jared L. Olar
October 21, 2016
Quite a lot has happened in Pekin in the 192 years since...
Jared L. Olar
July 29, 2016
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.
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.
