A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
This is a revised and updated version of one of our “From...
Jared L. Olar
July 23, 2026
With the United States of America preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday...
Jared L. Olar
January 22, 2026
Since the latter 1990s, the 515 Court St. building has been the...
Jared L. Olar
June 7, 2024
In a previous post here, we looked into the historical accounts and legends...
Jared L. Olar
March 21, 2024
For this third in our series of Pekin Bicentennial Black History Month...
Jared L. Olar
February 22, 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
Plans are underway for a permanent stone monument in downtown Pekin to...
Jared L. Olar
January 5, 2023
In recent years, the lives of Nance Legins-Costley (1813-1892) and her family...
Jared L. Olar
August 25, 2022
Earlier this year, another important part of the life of Nance Legins-Costley...
Jared L. Olar
June 23, 2022
This week “From the History Room” will commence a systematic genealogical account...
Jared L. Olar
November 4, 2021
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.
