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
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
In the summer of 1834, the small pioneer community of Pekin –...
Jared L. Olar
November 2, 2023
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
April 14, 2022
This is a reprint of a “From the Local History Room” column...
Jared L. Olar
January 8, 2021
The founding of Pekin was due to the influx of settlers of...
Jared L. Olar
April 13, 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.
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.
