Peoria, Illinois

Peoria, Illinois
CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Name	Peoria
Settlement type	City
Nickname	River City, Whiskey City
Motto	"A river runs through it, opportunity flows."
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Illinois
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Peoria
Established title	Founded
Established date	1691
Established title2	Incorporated (town)
Established date2	1835
Established title3	Incorporated (city)
Established date3	1845
Government type	Council–manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Rita Ali
Area total km2	130.67
Area total sq mi	50.45
Area land km2	124.20
Area land sq mi	47.95
Area water km2	6.47
Area water sq mi	2.50
Elevation m	153
Elevation ft	502
Population total	113150
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	911.0
Population density sq mi	2359.5
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	−6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	−5
Coordinates	40, 41, 33, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	61601–61607, 61612–61615, 61625, 61629, 61630, 61633, 61636–61639, 61641, 61643, 61650–61656
Area code	309
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	17-59000
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	2396181
Website	www.peoriagov.org

Peoria, Illinois. A major city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, it is the largest city on the river and the principal city of the Peoria metropolitan area. Historically a crucial hub for distilling and manufacturing, particularly for the Caterpillar Inc. corporation, the city has diversified its economy while maintaining a vibrant cultural scene anchored by institutions like the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Peoria Civic Center.

History

The region was originally home to the Illinois Confederation, with the Peoria tribe being a prominent member. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette first visited the area in 1673, and in 1691, a fort and mission were established by Henri de Tonti and François Pinet, creating one of the oldest European settlements in Illinois. After the French and Indian War, control passed to Great Britain and later the United States following the American Revolutionary War. The community grew as a vital steamboat port and was officially incorporated in 1835. The city's industrial prominence soared in the 20th century, largely due to the growth of Caterpillar Inc., which was formed from the merger of the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Company. The Whiskey Trust also established a significant presence, earning the city its "Whiskey City" moniker.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 50.45 square miles, with the Illinois River serving as its defining geographical feature. The river widens to form Peoria Lake just north of the downtown area. The city's topography includes bluffs along the western shore and more level terrain to the east. Major adjacent communities include East Peoria, Peoria Heights, and West Peoria. The climate is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons, and the city is situated within the Central Illinois region.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 113,150, making it the seventh-most populous city in Illinois. The racial makeup was approximately 58.1% White, 27.5% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian, with a Hispanic or Latino population of 6.9%. The metropolitan statistical area encompasses over 400,000 residents. Historically, the city saw significant population growth during the Great Migration and through industrial employment opportunities at companies like Caterpillar Inc. and Keystone Steel & Wire.

Economy

Long known as the global headquarters and a major manufacturing center for Caterpillar Inc., the city's economy has historically been driven by heavy industry and agricultural commerce. Other significant employers include the OSF HealthCare system, Carle Health, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. The Bradley University also contributes substantially as an employer and economic driver. While manufacturing remains important, the economy has diversified into healthcare, biotechnology, and logistics, with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council actively promoting growth in sectors like agritech and renewable energy.

Culture and recreation

The city boasts a rich cultural landscape, featuring the Peoria Riverfront Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and the Peoria Civic Center, which hosts Broadway touring shows, concerts, and is home to the Peoria Rivermen hockey team. The annual Steamboat Days festival and the Heart of Illinois Fair are major community events. The Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden provide family recreation, while the Caterpillar Visitors Center details the corporation's global impact. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, supported by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Corn Stock Theatre.

Government

The city operates under a council–manager system. Legislative power is vested in a ten-member Peoria City Council, consisting of the mayor and five district council members elected to four-year terms, along with five at-large council members. The mayor, currently Rita Ali, presides over council meetings and serves as the city's ceremonial head. An appointed city manager oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of city departments. The city is part of Illinois's 17th congressional district and is represented in the U.S. House by Eric Sorensen.

Education

Primary and secondary public education is provided by Peoria Public Schools, which operates over 20 schools, including Peoria High School, the oldest continuously used public high school building in Illinois west of Chicago. The city is also home to several private institutions, such as the Academy of Our Lady/Spalding Institute and Peoria, Illinois School. The city is also home to the city of the University, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois. 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