Peoria Home |
Peoria, Illinois _________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, go north on I-172 (SR 336) for 5 miles to US 24. Head northeast on US 24 for 120 miles until you reach Peoria. Approximately 125 miles.
Calendar of Events
Visit Peoria's site for a calendar of events.
History
In 1673 Louis Joliet and Father Marquette, while exploring the Mississippi River Valley, canoed down the Illinois River through Peoria. Seven years later, Robert LaSalle, along with 30 men, made the same trip down the Illinois River. Their trip’s purpose was to establish France’s hold on the territory by constructing a series of forts and trading posts throughout the river valley.
The first fort LaSalle constructed, Fort Crevecouer, was located across the river from present-day Peoria. Fort Crevecouer was the first European-built structure in Illinois. Mysteriously, the fort was abandoned less than a year after construction.
In 1691 Henri de Tonti decided to construct Fort Pimiteoui on the riverbank across from the Fort Crevecouer site. A French settlement rose around the fort and became the first European settlement in Illinois.
By 1819 the first American settlers arrived and began farming the fertile land around Peoria. Peoria was named the county seat in 1825 and the town was officially laid out in 1826, more than 150 years after Joliet and Marquette had paddled through.
Peoria offers an abundance of landmarks and attractions that celebrate its rich, colorful past. For additional information about Peoria’s history, contact the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 747-0302.
QuincyNet
Home
Copyright© 2002- 2009 by QuincyNet, a division of
HCW Ltd.
All Rights Reserved