Everything About Peoria, Illinois
History

Peoria’s history stretches back thousands of years, long before European settlers arrived. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Illini, from whom the state of Illinois takes its name. French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet are credited with arriving in the region in 1673, with the first European settlement following shortly after.
In 1680, Frenchman René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and Henri de Tonti built Fort Crèvecoeur near present-day Peoria. Although the fort did not last long, it marked the beginning of European influence in the area. French settlers eventually founded the town of La Ville de Maillet in 1691, which would later become Peoria. After the French and Indian War, control of the area shifted to the British, and by the early 19th century, Peoria was incorporated as a town in 1835.
Peoria gained its city status in 1845 and quickly became a center for trade and transportation due to its strategic location on the Illinois River. The river facilitated easy movement of goods, particularly for agriculture and manufacturing. The city became a manufacturing powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to companies like Caterpillar Inc., which was founded in Peoria and remains one of its most well-known institutions today.
Geography

Peoria is located in Central Illinois, approximately halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. The city lies on the banks of the Illinois River, which divides the metropolitan area and serves as a key geographical feature. The river not only offers scenic beauty but also plays an important role in Peoria’s economy and transportation system.
The city covers an area of about 50 square miles, with its metropolitan area extending even farther into surrounding counties. Peoria is situated at an elevation of around 500 feet above sea level, giving it a fairly flat terrain, although the river valley creates some rolling hills in certain areas.
Several parks and natural reserves surround the city, including the Forest Park Nature Center and Peoria Lake, adding to the outdoor appeal of the region.
Geology

Peoria’s geological makeup is characteristic of much of the Midwest. The area is primarily composed of glacial deposits, which were left behind by the last ice age around 10,000 years ago. These deposits include sand, gravel, and clay, which have formed the foundation of the city’s soil structure.
Beneath the surface, the bedrock is composed of limestone, shale, and coal deposits. In fact, coal mining was historically an important industry in Peoria, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The rich, fertile soils of the region have made Peoria a prime location for agriculture, contributing to the city’s economic growth.
Neighborhoods

Peoria is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character. Some of the most well-known neighborhoods include:
Richwoods: A largely residential neighborhood, Richwoods is known for its quiet streets, schools, and parks. It’s a popular area for families.
Downtown Peoria: The heart of the city, downtown Peoria, is home to many businesses, government offices, and cultural institutions. It is the city’s central hub and is characterized by high-rise buildings, shops, and restaurants. The downtown area is also home to the Peoria Civic Center, a major venue for events and concerts.
The North Valley: One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the North Valley is known for its historic homes and proximity to the riverfront. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas and is known for its sense of community.
West Bluff: This neighborhood is known for its Victorian-style homes and historic architecture. The West Bluff is popular among residents seeking a blend of charm and modern amenities. Bradley University is also located in this area.
East Bluff: Located adjacent to the West Bluff, this area has a mix of residential homes, schools, and parks. It is a diverse neighborhood with a rich history.
South Peoria: This area has historically been an industrial part of the city but has seen various revitalization efforts in recent years. South Peoria is home to several manufacturing companies and warehouses.
Knoxville Avenue Corridor: This is one of the primary commercial corridors in Peoria, lined with retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It serves as a major artery through the northern part of the city.
Climate

Peoria experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s and 90s (°F). July is the warmest month, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F.
Winters in Peoria are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. January is the coldest month, with average lows in the teens. Snowfall is common, averaging around 24 inches annually, with most of the snowfall occurring between December and February.
Spring and fall are transitional seasons, offering mild weather with occasional rain showers. The city receives around 36 inches of rain per year, with May being the wettest month.
Demographics

As of the latest census, Peoria has a population of approximately 110,000 people. The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures contributing to its vibrant community.
Households: Peoria has a mix of single-family homes, apartment complexes, and townhomes. The average household size is 2.4 people, and the homeownership rate is around 60%.
Race and Ethnicity: Peoria’s population is composed of about 53% White, 27% African American, and 10% Hispanic or Latino residents. There is also a growing Asian population in the city.
Age Distribution: The median age in Peoria is around 34 years, indicating a relatively young population. A significant portion of the population is composed of families with children, as well as young professionals.
Economy

Peoria has long been an economic powerhouse in Central Illinois, particularly due to its manufacturing base. The most prominent company in the city is Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. Caterpillar’s presence has shaped much of Peoria’s economic landscape, although its corporate headquarters were moved to Deerfield, IL in 2018.
Other key industries in Peoria include healthcare, education, and agriculture. The OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health are two of the city’s largest employers, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the region. Additionally, the Peoria area is home to a robust agricultural sector, particularly in corn and soybean production.
Peoria has also seen growth in its technology and service industries, with many small businesses and startups calling the city home.
Culture

Peoria boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals. The Peoria Riverfront Museum is one of the city’s cultural gems, offering exhibits on art, science, and history. The museum complex also includes a planetarium and a theater.
The city is also home to the Peoria Civic Center, which hosts concerts, sporting events, and theater performances. The Peoria Symphony Orchestra, established in 1897, is one of the oldest orchestras in the United States and performs regularly in the city.
Peoria also hosts a number of annual festivals, including the Steamboat Classic, the largest four-mile road race in the country, and the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, which attracts artists from across the country.
Colleges and universities

Peoria is home to several institutions of higher education, most notably:
Illinois Central College: Located just outside Peoria in East Peoria, Illinois Central College provides two-year degree programs and serves as a vital educational institution for the region.
Bradley University: A private university located near the West Bluff neighborhood, Bradley University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its strong engineering and business programs, Bradley plays a significant role in the community and the local economy.
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria: This branch of the University of Illinois offers medical education and research opportunities, contributing to the city’s strong healthcare sector.
Media

Peoria has a robust media landscape, with several television and radio stations serving the region. The Peoria Journal Star is the city’s primary newspaper, offering coverage of local news, sports, and events.
Television stations like WEEK-TV and WMBD-TV provide local news, weather, and entertainment programming. Several radio stations, including WCBU (NPR) and WSWT (lite rock), offer a variety of music and talk programming.
Roadways

Peoria is well-connected by a network of roadways, making it easily accessible from other parts of Illinois and beyond. The city is served by:
- Interstate 74: The major highway running through Peoria, connecting the city to the Quad Cities to the west and Bloomington-Normal to the east.
- Illinois Route 6: This highway forms a bypass around Peoria, providing access to the northern suburbs and rural areas.
- U.S. Route 24: Running through the heart of Peoria, this road provides direct access to downtown Peoria and continues into other regions of the state.
Peoria also has an extensive system of local roads and bridges, including the Murray Baker Bridge, which spans the Illinois River and connects Peoria with East Peoria.
Major Landmarks

Peoria is home to a number of significant landmarks, both historical and modern. Some of the most notable include:
Forest Park Nature Center: This 500-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and environmental education programs.
Caterpillar Visitors Center: This museum showcases the history and future of Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment.
Peoria Riverfront Museum: Located along the Illinois River, this museum is a cultural hub, offering art, science, and history exhibits.
Grandview Drive: Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful drive” by President Theodore Roosevelt, this scenic roadway offers stunning views of the Illinois River valley.
Spirit of Peoria: A historic paddlewheel boat that offers river cruises along the Illinois River, providing a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Luthy Botanical Garden: Located within Glen Oak Park, the garden features a variety of plant species and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Dozer Park: The home of the Peoria Chiefs, a minor league baseball team, Dozer Park is a popular destination for sports fans.
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