Peoria, IL

About Peoria

• • Richard Pryor, the groundbreaking comedian, was born and raised in Peoria.
• • Caterpillar Inc., a world-renowned construction equipment manufacturer, was founded in Peoria.
• • Whiskey production boomed here in the 19th century, establishing Peoria's reputation.
• • Peoria once had a vibrant underground city beneath its streets, now mostly sealed.
• • The Great Depression hit Peoria hard, leading to significant economic struggles.
• • Named after the Peoria tribe, it was incorporated as a city in 1845.
• • With around 110,000 people, Peoria is Illinois' seventh largest city.
• • At 489 feet above sea level, the city offers views of the Illinois River Valley.
• • Healthcare and manufacturing are major employers in the Peoria area.
• • Peoria offers a resilient, hard-working vibe with a touch of Midwestern charm.
• • The Peoria Rivermen are a minor league hockey team in the SPHL.
• • Peoria Manual High School won the IHSA Class AA Boys Basketball Championship in 2009.
• • Peoria lies within the Illinois Basin, known for its Pennsylvanian-age sedimentary rock layers.
• • The Illinois River bluff system provides scenic overlooks and diverse habitats near Peoria.
• • The Illinois River flows through Peoria, serving as a major waterway and recreational resource.
• • Bald eagles are frequently observed along the Illinois River near Peoria, especially during winter.
• • Oak-hickory forests are a dominant plant community in the Peoria region.
• • Peoria was the site of a major settlement of the Illiniwek people before European contact.
• • Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated in Peoria on October 16, 1854, on the issue of slavery.
• • The Peoria Waterworks Building, a Richardsonian Romanesque structure, was completed in 1890.

Artists From Peoria

Songs About Peoria

Nearby Places