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Peoria, Illinois

Peoria, nestled gracefully along the Illinois River, boasts a vibrant history as the longtime home of Caterpillar Inc., a global manufacturing giant that embodies our city's innovative spirit. Our charming riverfront and historic neighborhoods tell tales of industry and ingenuity, making it a place where big ideas have always found fertile ground. From its early days as a distilling powerhouse to its current role in health care and technology, Peoria truly is a testament to the heartland's enduring strength and community pride.
Founded 1845 | Population 116,513 | Peak 116,513 (2024) | County Peoria County

Top Events in Peoria, Illinois

1
1845 City Incorporated: Peoria officially became a city, setting the stage for significant growth and development.
2
1887 Whiskey City Peak: Peoria, with 24 distilleries, became the largest whiskey producer in the world.
3
1910 Grandview Drive Honored: Theodore Roosevelt famously declared Grandview Drive the 'world's most beautiful drive'.
4
1925 Caterpillar Inc. Formed: Holt and Best merged in Peoria, forming the iconic Caterpillar Tractor Co.
5
1993 Riverfront Revitalization: Extensive redevelopment began, transforming Peoria's riverfront into a vibrant attraction.
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Latest News in Peoria

Feb 20, 2026
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.
May 2, 2016
Heres what These New Purple Parking Spots Mean
In the bustling streets of American cities back in May 2016, a splash of purple began popping up in parking lots, catching the eye…
Apr 10, 2015
Politician Dies After Husband Sets Explosive During Sex Car
In a bizarre and tragic turn of events last week, a prominent politician met a sudden and violent end when her husband allegedly r…

Historical Timeline of Peoria

1691 Government
Fort Crevecoeur Built
1845 Government
City Incorporated
1887 Economy
Whiskey Capital
1910 Culture
Grandview Drive Noted
1925 Economy
Caterpillar Formed
1951 Infrastructure
Floodwall Completion
1993 Culture
Riverfront Reimagined
2004 Economy
Medical District Expansion

Did You Know? — Peoria

1
Peoria was once the largest whiskey-producing city in the world, with 24 distilleries operating in 1887.
2
The famous phrase 'Will it play in Peoria?' originated here, becoming a national idiom to test if something appeals to mainstream America.
3
Grandview Drive was famously declared 'the world's most beautiful drive' by President Theodore Roosevelt during his visit in 1910.
4
Peoria is the birthplace and global headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., a monumental force in heavy machinery manufacturing.
5
The Peoria Riverfront Museum uniquely combines art, history, science, and a planetarium under one roof, reflecting the city's diverse cultural offerings.
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Famous People from Peoria, Illinois

BF
Betty Friedan
Writer, Psychologist · Born Feb 4, 1921 · Died Feb 4, 2006 (age 85)
DS
David Ogden Stiers
Actor, Conductor · Born Oct 31, 1942 · Died Mar 3, 2018 (age 75)
RP
Richard Pryor
Screenwriter, Comedian · Born Dec 1, 1940 · Died Dec 10, 2005 (age 65)
DS
Dan Simmons
Writer, Novelist · Born Apr 4, 1948 · Age 77
WC
William Lane Craig
Writer, Apologist · Born Aug 23, 1949 · Age 76

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