A weekly investigation of the history of Pekin and Tazewell County, including an archive of all blogs going back to 2015.
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
The seed from which Pekin grew was the log cabin that pioneer...
Jared L. Olar
November 27, 2024
While Pekin traces its origin to the 1824 arrival of Jonathan Tharp...
Jared L. Olar
November 13, 2024
This week we conclude our series on Pekin’s 1924 Centennial Celebration with...
Jared L. Olar
September 26, 2024
Before the formal platting and surveying of the little pioneer settlement that...
Jared L. Olar
January 11, 2024
Around the time white settlers began flooding into Tazewell County in the 1820s,...
Jared L. Olar
October 5, 2022
We have previously recalled the life of Pottawatomi leader Shabbona (c.1775-1859), who...
Jared L. Olar
September 30, 2021
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
November 29, 2019
As previously noted in this column, the city of Pekin was established...
Jared L. Olar
June 22, 2018
This is a slightly revised version of one of our “From the...
Jared L. Olar
April 27, 2018
Following the conclusion of George Rogers Clark’s Illinois Campaign in 1779 during...
Jared L. Olar
February 9, 2018
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.
