A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
Continuing our “America 250”-themed recollections of the early history of Tazewell County...
Jared L. Olar
February 12, 2026
While Pekin traces its origin to the 1824 arrival of Jonathan Tharp...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2024
The first 19 years of Pekin’s history cover the period when our...
Jared L. Olar
March 14, 2024
Around the time white settlers began flooding into Tazewell County in the 1820s,...
Jared L. Olar
October 5, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
February 24, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
October 21, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
December 13, 2019
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
November 29, 2019
On Friday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m., the Pekin Public Library will...
Jared L. Olar
January 26, 2018
When French missionaries and explorers first came to the Illinois Country in...
Jared L. Olar
December 22, 2017
Here’s a chance to read again one of our old Local History...
Jared L. Olar
November 28, 2015
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.
