Peoria history

The history of Peoria, one of the oldest European settlements in Illinois, is closely tied to French explorers, trade, and its strategic location on the Illinois River. The city has come a long way from a small fort to an important industrial centre of the Midwest.

Founding and First Mentions

The first European settlement on the site of modern Peoria appeared in 1680, when the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, established Fort Crèvecœur. This fort became the first European structure in the territory of the current state of Illinois. Although the original fort was soon abandoned, Fort St. Louis du Pimitoui was erected nearby in 1691, ensuring a more permanent French presence. Later, in 1813, the Americans built Fort Clark, around which the modern settlement began to grow. The name Peoria was officially established in 1825, and city status was granted in 1845.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Peoria was largely determined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its location on the Illinois River, which flows into the Mississippi, made the city an important transport and trade hub. This provided convenient access to waterways for the transport of goods.
• Trade and Industry: Initially, the economy was focused on the fur trade. However, in the 19th century, the city turned into a major industrial centre. Peoria gained particular fame as the "whiskey capital of the world" due to numerous distilleries that produced huge volumes of alcohol prior to the introduction of Prohibition. By 1880, Peoria was producing more spirits than the entire state of Kentucky.
• Natural Resources: Fertile lands around the city promoted the development of agriculture, and the presence of coal reserves provided fuel for the growing industry.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 19th century, Peoria was a prosperous city with a booming economy. The first industrial mill was built in 1830, and other enterprises soon appeared, including the production of agricultural machinery. It was here that the Caterpillar Tractor Co. was founded in 1925. The "whiskey barons," owners of the distilleries, invested significant funds into the city's development, financing the construction of theatres, parks, and public buildings, many of which have survived to this day. This gave the city a unique architectural appearance and contributed to its cultural development.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1680 — French explorers led by René-Robert Cavelier de La Salle establish Fort Crèvecœur, the first European settlement in the territory of modern Illinois.
• 1691 — Henri de Tonti returns to the region and establishes Fort Pimitoui (also known as Fort St. Louis II), which becomes an important centre for the fur trade for many years.
• 1813 — During the War of 1812, American troops build Fort Clark, which became the core of the future permanent settlement.
• 1825 — The settlement is officially named Peoria in honour of the Peoria Native American tribe, the indigenous people of these lands.
• 1844 — The first major distillery opens, laying the foundation for Peoria's future status as the "whiskey capital of the world."
• 1845 — Peoria officially receives city status.
• 1854 — Abraham Lincoln delivers one of his most famous speeches against slavery in Peoria, which becomes an important event in his political career.
• 1880s — The city reaches the peak of alcohol production, becoming the largest distillation centre in the United States.
• 1925 — As a result of the merger of two companies, the Caterpillar Tractor Co. is founded, becoming the city's main employer and economic symbol for decades.
• 1982 — The Peoria Civic Center opens, the main cultural, entertainment, and exhibition complex, becoming the centre of public life.
• 2017 — Caterpillar announces the relocation of its global headquarters from Peoria, marking the end of an era in the city's economic history.

Key Milestones in the Development of Peoria

The history of Peoria is a tale of the transformation of a small fort on the river into a significant industrial and cultural centre of the Midwest. Several key events defined the city's development trajectory, leaving a deep mark on its economy and appearance.

• "Whiskey Capital" (Mid-19th — Early 20th Centuries). Starting in 1844, distilling began to develop rapidly in Peoria. Thanks to access to clean water, local grain, and convenient river routes for transportation, the city became the largest producer of alcohol in the USA. By the end of the 19th century, more than a dozen large distilleries operated here, bringing huge tax revenues to the treasury. This period of the "whiskey barons" contributed to the accumulation of capital, which was invested in the construction of luxurious buildings, theatres, and the development of urban infrastructure.
• The Emergence of Caterpillar (1925). The founding of the Caterpillar Tractor Co. was a turning point in Peoria's economic history. For decades, the company became the main employer and a symbol of industrial power and innovation. Caterpillar's growth stimulated the development of related industries, attracted thousands of specialists and workers to the city, and contributed to the formation of a unique engineering and manufacturing culture.
• Post-War Growth and Diversification. In the mid-20th century, despite continued reliance on Caterpillar, the city's economy began to diversify. Mechanical engineering, healthcare, and the service sector developed. The city was actively built up, and new residential areas appeared, reflecting the general economic upturn and population growth in post-war America.
• Construction of the Peoria Civic Center (1982). The opening of this multifunctional complex was an important step in cultural and urban development. The Peoria Civic Center was conceived as an "economic engine" to revitalise the city centre. The complex, designed by the famous architect Philip Johnson, combined an arena, theatre, and exhibition hall under one roof, turning Peoria into a regional hub for major concerts, sporting events, and conventions.
• Economic Transformation (Late 20th — Early 21st Centuries). Caterpillar's announcement of its headquarters relocation in 2017 marked the end of the era of dominance by a single enterprise. This event pushed the city towards accelerated economic diversification with a focus on healthcare, technology, and education. Today, Peoria is actively seeking new paths for development, relying on its rich industrial heritage and developed infrastructure.

Peoria's architectural appearance is a visual history of its economic and cultural development. From elegant Victorian mansions built on distillery revenues to the strict lines of 20th-century modernist buildings, every structure tells the story of its era.

Victorian Heritage (Second Half of the 19th Century)

Peoria's period of economic prosperity, known as the "whiskey capital of the world," left behind a rich legacy of Victorian architecture. Wealthy industrialists built luxurious mansions in the popular styles of the time. A striking example is the Pettengill-Morron House, built in 1868 in the Second Empire style. Buildings in the Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne styles have also been preserved in the city, especially in historic districts such as the West Bluff.

Turn of the Century: From Renaissance to Beaux-Arts (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, monumental styles dominated Peoria's public architecture, designed to emphasise the city's status and prosperity. A key building of this era is Peoria City Hall, built in 1897-1899. It is an outstanding example of the Flemish Renaissance style, made of rare red sandstone. Another significant object was the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, erected in 1909 in the Beaux-Arts style to honour Civil War veterans.

Modernism and Post-War Development (Mid-20th Century)

In the mid-20th century, with the growth of Caterpillar and the diversification of the economy, the city's architecture began to gravitate towards Modernism. This style, with its emphasis on functionality, clean lines, and new materials, reflected the spirit of innovation and optimism of the post-war era. Many buildings in the Mid-Century Modern style, both public and residential, appeared in Peoria and its surroundings. This period was also associated with urban redevelopment projects and the construction of new infrastructure.

Postmodernism and Modernity (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

One of the most iconic architectural projects of the late 20th century was the construction of the Peoria Civic Center, opened in 1982. Designed by the world-renowned architect Philip Johnson, the complex is a striking example of Postmodernism. Its glass galleries were intended by the author to resemble a "necklace of jewels" around the "grand dame"—the historic City Hall. Nowadays, the city continues to develop, paying attention to both new projects and the careful restoration and adaptation of its rich architectural heritage.

Notable People Associated with Peoria

Peoria has been the birthplace or an important stage in life for many people who have left a noticeable mark on the history, culture, and public life of the USA. The city has nurtured and inspired figures in various fields—from comedy and music to politics and feminism.

• Richard Pryor (1940–2005) — Actor and one of the most influential stand-up comedians of all time. Pryor grew up in Peoria, and his childhood memories of life in a tough area of the city formed the basis for many of his candid and ground-breaking performances. His work changed comedy and touched upon acute social and racial issues. A statue in his honour has been erected in downtown Peoria.
• Betty Friedan (1921–2006) — Writer, activist, and one of the key figures of the second wave of feminism in the USA. She was born and raised in Peoria. Her book "The Feminine Mystique," published in 1963, is considered one of the most influential texts of the 20th century, which sparked the modern women's movement. Friedan was a co-founder and the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
• Dan Fogelberg (1951–2007) — Musician, singer, and songwriter whose hits, such as "Longer" and "Leader of the Band," became soft rock classics. Fogelberg grew up in Peoria, and the urban environment inspired him to create one of his most famous songs—"Same Old Lang Syne." Several memorials have been created in the city in his honour.
• Jim Thome (born 1970) — Professional baseball player and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A native of Peoria, he became famous as one of the most powerful hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, finishing his career with 612 home runs.
• Robert H. Michel (1923–2017) — An influential politician who represented Illinois in the US House of Representatives for 38 years. A native of Peoria and a World War II veteran, he served as the Republican Minority Leader in the House of Representatives from 1981 to 1995. A bridge across the Illinois River in Peoria is named in his honour.
• Philip José Farmer (1918–2009) — An acclaimed science fiction writer and author of the famous "Riverworld" series. Although born in Indiana, Farmer spent most of his life in Peoria, where he created many of his famous works. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Hugo Award, and is considered an innovator in the science fiction genre who boldly addressed themes of religion and sexuality.
• Susan G. Komen (1943–1980) — A resident of Peoria whose battle with breast cancer inspired her sister to create the world-famous Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Although Susan lived a short life, her story became a symbol of the global movement to fight breast cancer, raise funds for research, and support patients.