Pekin, Illinois
Pekin is a city in central Illinois, serving as the county seat of Tazewell County with a small portion extending into adjacent Peoria County.[1][2] As of the 2020 United States Census, its population was 31,731.[3] Located along the Illinois River within the Peoria metropolitan area, Pekin developed as a river port and industrial center, initially settled in 1824 and incorporated as a city in 1849.[4][5]
The city's economy centers on manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade, supporting a workforce drawn to its industrial parks and proximity to regional transportation networks.[2][1] Historically tied to agriculture, steamboat trade, and early industries like distilling and packing, Pekin maintains landmarks such as sites linked to Abraham Lincoln's legal practice and the emancipation of local resident William Henry Costley, the first enslaved person freed through Lincoln's efforts as a young attorney.[6][4] As the largest municipality in Tazewell County, it plays a pivotal role in regional governance and commerce while preserving its heritage as a hub of Midwestern industrial growth.[1]
History
Founding and Early Settlement
The area encompassing modern Pekin was originally inhabited by the Pottawatomi tribe, whose chief Shabbona maintained generally amicable relations with incoming white settlers during the early 19th century.[4] The first permanent white settlement occurred in the summer of 1824, when Jonathan Tharp, an Ohio native born in 1794, constructed a log cabin on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River, marking the initial European-American claim in the vicinity.[7] [8] Tharp's arrival was followed by other family members and pioneers throughout the 1820s, drawn by the region's fertile bluffs, river access for trade, and proximity to emerging Midwestern migration routes post-Illinois statehood in 1818.[5] [9] By 1827, the nascent community supported its first general store, reflecting basic commercial activity amid the influx of settlers.[5] In 1829, Tazewell County surveyor William Hodge formally platted the site as "Town Site," designating it suitable for organized development and facilitating land claims under federal survey systems.[4] The settlement's official naming transpired on January 19, 1830, when early residents convened to vote on a moniker; among proposed options, "Pekin" prevailed, reportedly suggested by Ann Eliza Cromwell, wife of settler Major Nathan Cromwell, possibly evoking the exoticism of Peking, China, rather than local geography.[10] [11] This vote formalized the town's identity, with Cromwell influencing subsequent street naming after fellow settlers' female relatives.[10] Early infrastructure emerged rapidly: a rudimentary school opened around 1830–1831 to educate pioneer children, followed by the establishment of the first post office in 1832, enhancing connectivity to broader Illinois networks.[11] [5] These developments underscored Pekin's transition from isolated homesteads to a cohesive frontier outpost, bolstered by the Illinois River's navigational potential despite seasonal flooding risks, with the Tharp family's enduring presence symbolizing the site's foundational role.[7]19th-Century Growth and Civil War
During the 1830s and 1840s, Pekin experienced steady economic expansion driven by its position on the Illinois River, which facilitated steamboat trade and agricultural commerce. The establishment of the first bank, a branch of the Bank of Illinois, occurred around 1839 or 1840, supporting local business growth alongside early stores and mills.[12] By 1849, the population had reached approximately 1,500 residents, prompting unanimous agreement to incorporate as a city under a charter that year, reflecting maturation from a pioneer town to a burgeoning river port.[4] Steamboat traffic bolstered the export of grain and livestock, laying foundations for later pork-packing prominence, though growth remained modest compared to larger Midwestern hubs.[13] The American Civil War (1861–1865) amplified Pekin's role within Tazewell County's Union contributions, as Illinois rapidly mobilized troops, raising 17 infantry and five cavalry regiments in the initial months of 1861 alone. Local men from Pekin and surrounding areas enlisted in units such as those detailed in state records, with Tazewell County residents serving in campaigns including Vicksburg, where three county soldiers earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry.[5][14] The home front saw economic strains from wartime demands but sustained river-based trade, while county histories document broad support for the Union preservation effort.[14] Internal divisions emerged in Pekin, mirroring broader Illinois tensions between Union loyalists and Confederate sympathizers. The pro-Southern Knights of the Golden Circle, a secretive group advocating secession, gained some footholds locally, prompting the formation of the [Union League](/page/Union League) in Pekin as a counterorganization to rally pro-Union sentiment and suppress perceived threats.[15] This rivalry, detailed in postwar pamphlets and county accounts, underscored Pekin's alignment with federal authority despite pockets of dissent, culminating in post-war commemorations like the 1905 Civil War Soldiers Memorial in Lakeside Cemetery honoring local sacrifices.[15][16]Industrial Expansion and Immigration
The arrival of the railroad in Pekin on July 4, 1859, following the city's $100,000 investment in 1856 to support the Illinois River Rail Road Company, marked a pivotal expansion in industrial capabilities, transforming the river town into a manufacturing hub by facilitating efficient transport of goods and raw materials.[17] This infrastructure complemented the Illinois River's role in shipping, enabling growth in sectors such as coal mining, brick production, distilling, and metalworking, with five depots operational by the late 19th century to handle freight.[17] [18] Industrial diversification accelerated in the mid- to late 19th century, with establishments like the A. & J. Haines Harvester Factory operating as one of Pekin's early mechanized enterprises, alongside brewing operations such as the American Brewing Company, which constructed facilities west of the railroad tracks by 1900.[19] [20] Coal mining and brick manufacturing, exemplified by Jansen & Company, provided foundational materials and fuel, supporting local construction and export via river and rail, while distilleries and specialty factories like Hinners Organ Company emerged as prominent employers.[21] [18] By the early 20th century, Pekin's proximity to coal resources and rail networks positioned it as attractive for manufacturers, with promotions emphasizing cheap fuel and transportation advantages.[22] This industrial boom drew significant immigration, particularly from Germany, beginning with pioneer settler Peter Weyhrich in 1831–1832 and intensifying from 1850 to the 1890s amid political unrest, religious persecution, and economic upheaval in Europe.[23] German-born residents comprised 8% of Illinois's population by 1860 and approximately 172,000 statewide in 1880, with immigrants forming Pekin's majority by 1870, contributing to nicknames like "Bean Town" reflective of their cultural practices.[23] [24] These newcomers filled labor needs in emerging industries, including wagon production at Teis Smith Wagon Company, furniture at Albertsen & Koch, and banking at Herget National Bank, while German-language prevalence and neighborhoods like Bohnen Viertel underscored their demographic dominance.[23] The Peoria and Pekin Union Railway's incorporation in 1880 further supported this influx by enhancing connectivity for immigrant workers and industrial output.[17]20th-Century Developments
In the early 1900s, Pekin solidified its position as an industrial center, building on prior coal mining and brick production that generated over a million tons of coal from local operations.[11] Distilling, glass manufacturing, and marble works contributed to the economy, alongside a burgeoning ice harvesting industry that capitalized on the Illinois River's frozen expanses, employing hundreds seasonally until mechanical refrigeration diminished demand in the 1920s and 1930s.[25][18] Railroads expanded connectivity, establishing Pekin as a transportation hub for freight and passengers, which facilitated trade in agricultural goods like corn and soybeans.[17] Municipal services modernized during this period; in 1907, the volunteer fire department transitioned to a full-time paid force with Chief Julius Jaeckel and four firefighters, supported by relief staff, to address growing urban risks.[26] Governance shifted in 1911 to a commission form, aiming for streamlined administration amid population and infrastructural expansion.[4] By mid-century, Pekin had emerged as a significant producer of corn-based products, though this sector experienced severe setbacks from two of Illinois's most devastating industrial accidents, underscoring the hazards of chemical and processing operations.[27] Post-World War II development emphasized manufacturing diversification, with employers in machinery, foundries, and energy-related firms sustaining blue-collar employment.[28] The city marked its centennial as an incorporated municipality in 1949 with publications documenting business progress, reflecting steady economic maturation tied to regional agriculture and river access.[29] Late-century reforms included adopting a council-manager system in 1995, enhancing professional management for ongoing urban challenges.[4]Racial History
Prior to the Civil War, Pekin leaned pro-slavery, with its location along the Illinois River facilitating bounty hunters who captured free or escaped blacks for return to servitude.[30] The first documented black resident was Nance Legins-Costley, freed in the 1839 Cromwell v. Bailey case argued by Abraham Lincoln, though the black population remained small amid hostile conditions.[31] By 1845, approximately 20 blacks lived in Pekin, often as laborers or domestics; the 1860 census recorded 18, including families like that of barber John Brown and laborers Moses and William Ashby, some of whom later served in the U.S. Colored Troops.[32] Interracial marriage was illegal until 1874, leading to indictments such as those against Marshall and Moses Ashby in 1866 and 1870 for marrying white women.[32] Post-war, numbers fluctuated downward to 10 in 1870 before rising slightly to 19 in 1880, reflecting limited settlement opportunities and social exclusion.[32] In the early 20th century, the black population hovered at low levels—4 in 1900, 8 in 1910, and 31 in 1920—despite undercounts in census data.[31] The 1920s saw a surge in Ku Klux Klan activity, with Pekin hosting the organization's regional headquarters for over 40 Illinois counties starting around 1923; Klan leaders O.W. Friederich, Silas Strickfadden, and E.A. Messner acquired the Pekin Daily Times, using it to promote events, ideology, and recruitment.[30][31] The Klan assisted in local disasters, such as the 1924 Corn Products explosion relief efforts involving 36 members, but its influence correlated with a sharp decline in black residents to 1 by 1930 and 0 by 1940, driven by intimidation and economic pressures rather than formal ordinances.[31][33] Pekin developed a sundown town reputation, enforcing de facto segregation through social coercion and threats, as illustrated by the 1933 incident where black resident James Davis was ordered to leave within an hour following an altercation.[30] Oral accounts describe warning signs on the Pekin Bridge in the 1960s–1970s threatening attack on blacks remaining after sunset, though no photographic or documentary evidence confirms their existence.[30][31] This exclusionary environment persisted into the late 20th century, with Pekin Community High School retaining the racially derogatory "Chinks" mascot—a slur targeting Chinese people—until its replacement with "Dragons" in 1980 amid growing awareness of such insensitivities.[34] Black population recovery began slowly post-1990, reaching 26 residents that year before increasing to 863 by 2000, signaling gradual shifts amid ongoing reputational challenges.[30]21st-Century Changes
Pekin's population increased modestly from 33,857 in 2000 to 34,094 in 2010 before declining to 31,731 by 2020, reflecting broader trends of stagnation in central Illinois manufacturing communities.[35][36][37] The post-2010 drop exceeded that of neighboring Peoria, with annual declines averaging around 0.6% into the 2020s, driven by factors including limited job growth and outmigration to larger metro areas.[3][38] Economically, Pekin sustained reliance on manufacturing sectors such as food processing and industrial machinery, which employed a significant portion of the workforce amid national deindustrialization pressures in the 2000s and 2010s.[39] Median household income improved from $52,507 in 2022 to $58,355 in 2023, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.3% in 2025, indicating partial recovery from recession-era losses.[2][40] However, a 13% poverty rate persisted, underscoring ongoing challenges in wage growth and workforce retention.[2] In response to these dynamics, city officials launched the Pekin 2030 Economic Development Strategy in 2025, prioritizing industrial diversification, infrastructure upgrades, and proactive planning to reverse population loss and bolster competitiveness as Tazewell County's seat. Local efforts included investments in public facilities, such as expansions to the public library and community high school, aimed at enhancing quality of life and attracting families.[1] These initiatives sought to leverage Pekin's strategic Illinois River location for logistics and professional services growth, though measurable impacts remained pending as of 2025.[1]Geography
Location and Physical Features
Pekin is situated in central Illinois, primarily within Tazewell County, with a minor portion extending into adjacent Peoria County to the north.[41][42] The city lies along the eastern bank of the Illinois River, approximately 10 miles south of Peoria, and serves as the county seat of Tazewell County.[43] Its geographic coordinates are approximately 40°34′N 89°38′W.[41] The city encompasses a total area of 15.14 square miles, including 14.56 square miles of land and 0.58 square miles of water, predominantly from the Illinois River and associated waterways.[44] The terrain consists of flat to gently rolling plains typical of the glaciated till plains in central Illinois, shaped by Pleistocene glacial deposits that overlie bedrock formations. Elevations average 518 feet (158 meters) above sea level, with the lowest points at approximately 436 feet along the Illinois River floodplain and higher ground rising eastward across loess-capped uplands and stream terraces.[45][46] The Illinois River forms the city's western boundary, providing a navigable waterway that influences local hydrology and supports floodplain soils derived from glacial outwash and alluvium.[43] These features include river bluffs, low terraces, and poorly drained floodplains with silty loam soils suitable for agriculture but prone to seasonal inundation.[47] The surrounding landscape transitions from riverine lowlands to prairie remnants, with minimal topographic relief overall.Climate and Environment
Pekin experiences a humid continental climate classified as Dfa under the Köppen system, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters with precipitation distributed throughout the year.[48] Average annual temperatures range from a low of 16°F in winter to a high of 86°F in summer, with July marking the warmest month at an average high of 86°F and January the coldest at an average low of 16°F.[49] Precipitation totals approximately 38 inches of rain annually, supplemented by 24 inches of snowfall, with May receiving the highest rainfall at 3.8 inches and June having the most wet days at 11.4 on average.[50] [49] The city's location along the Illinois River exacerbates environmental vulnerabilities, particularly to flooding, which constitutes the primary natural hazard. Approximately 13.3% of properties in Pekin currently face flood risk, projected to rise to 14% over the next 30 years due to factors including river overflow and increased precipitation intensity.[51] Historical events, such as the severe Flood of 1943, have caused significant damage to riverfront infrastructure, underscoring the river's role in both economic activity and recurrent environmental threats.[52] Pekin's groundwater-dependent water supply, drawn from seven wells serving its population of over 33,000, remains unpolluted but requires ongoing monitoring amid regional industrial influences.[53] Local environmental features include riverine ecosystems and parks that provide limited natural flood mitigation, though urban development has altered floodplain dynamics, increasing overbank flooding susceptibility typical of central Illinois river valleys.[47] Air quality risks are moderate, with no acute pollution crises documented, but proximity to manufacturing contributes to episodic concerns like particulate matter from legacy industries.[54]Demographics
Population Dynamics
Pekin's population grew steadily through much of the 20th century, driven by industrial expansion and proximity to the Illinois River, reaching approximately 33,000 by 2000.[35] The city experienced a peak of 34,094 residents in the 2010 United States Census, reflecting modest gains from earlier decades amid regional manufacturing activity.[36] However, this marked the onset of decline, with the population falling to 31,731 by the 2020 Census—a 6.9% decrease over the decade, outpacing losses in nearby Peoria.[3] Post-2010 trends indicate ongoing contraction, with annual declines averaging around 0.8% in recent years. The population stood at an estimated 33,647 in 2014 before dropping to 31,126 by 2023, per Census-derived estimates.[38] American Community Survey data for 2023 report 31,812 residents, with a year-over-year decrease of 0.82% from 2022.[2] Projections suggest continuation of this trajectory, estimating 30,756 by 2025 at a -0.6% annual rate, influenced by net outmigration and below-replacement fertility in the Peoria metropolitan area.[37]| Census Year | Population | Decade Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 33,857 | +5.1 (from 1990)[35] |
| 2010 | 34,094 | +0.7 [36] |
| 2020 | 31,731 | -6.9 [3] |
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
As of the 2022 American Community Survey 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Pekin's population of approximately 31,732 residents is overwhelmingly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for 89.6% of the total.[55] Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents represent 3.7%, while individuals identifying with two or more races (Non-Hispanic) make up 2.9%.[55] Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents comprise 0.6%, American Indian and Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) 0.3%, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) 0.1%.[56] Hispanic or Latino residents of any race form an ethnic minority of about 2.8%, with the majority identifying as White Hispanic.[2] This ethnic group has remained small relative to the non-Hispanic White majority, consistent with patterns in central Illinois communities.[57]| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage (2022 ACS 5-Year Estimate) |
|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 89.6% |
| Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) | 2.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 2.8% |
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 0.6% |
| American Indian/Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) | 0.3% |
| Other Races (Non-Hispanic) | 0.1% |