Pekin, IL
Music connected to Pekin
About Pekin
- • Everett Dirksen, a prominent U.S. Senator known for his baritone voice, was born here.
- • Pekin was the original headquarters for the now-international Tazewell County Resource Centers.
- • Whiskey production put Pekin on the map in the mid-19th century.
- • Local legend claims a tunnel system runs beneath downtown, used during Prohibition.
- • The Great Fire of 1888 destroyed much of the downtown business district.
- • Established in 1829, Pekin was named after Peking (now Beijing), China.
- • With 31,000 residents, the population is similar to that of Galesburg, IL.
- • At 509 feet above sea level, the terrain is relatively flat, typical of central Illinois.
- • Manufacturing remains a key employer, with Caterpillar and other industries present.
- • A quiet, hardworking atmosphere permeates the air, with a strong sense of community.
- • The Peoria Rivermen, an SPHL team, play 10 miles away; they won the league title in 2013.
- • Pekin High School's football team boasts multiple state playoff appearances.