City government and culture services bring benefits that enhance the quality of life in Peoria, Illinois and mirror the interests of the local community. With the active involvement of the community, the city of Peoria provides services that contribute to a healthy community, a vibrant culture, a strong economy and a sustainable environment. Those moving to Peoria will discover an excellent place to live, work and play.
History:
Following the American Revolution, a number of Peorians received land grants from the U.S. Congress in appreciation for their support during the war. In October 1812, the area felt the pressure of thousands of American settlers heading west. A month later, American soldiers overran the French village and deported its inhabitants to a wilderness around Alton, Illinois. After 120 years, French Peoria was gone forever. The first American settlers began farming in the city in 1819. Soon, the small village would experience a great economic and population boom. With its wealth of natural resources, the city of Peoria industries grew quickly. They included casting foundries, meatpacking, pottery makers, distilleries, and farm machinery manufacturers. The area's fresh, clear water, abundance of corn, and ease of transportation contributed to make the city the "Whiskey Capital of the World" by 1900. Distilleries and their related industries brought remarkable wealth, and the city became one of the largest tax-paying districts in the country. Prosperity enabled city leaders to strive to develop a model city. And in the second half of the 20th century, Peoria was awarded an All-America City designation three times; the city exists today as the exemplary Midwestern American city.
Economy:
Located at the center of a fertile agricultural region, the City of Peoria is a significant livestock and grain exporting hub. Farm production and livestock sales in the area are among the highest in the country. The city is surrounded by rich bituminous coal fields that hold reserves estimated to last for 150 years. Manufacturing is also a major industry, with more than 200 firms making nearly 1,000 different products. Local companies produce more than 14 percent of the country's internal-combustion engines and about eight percent of all construction machinery in North America. The city is also the base for several distilleries and breweries. The United States Department of Agriculture operates the National Center for Agriculture Research in Peoria. There, soil testing and chemical development are key areas of research. Peoria is a main test market for several national consumer research firms such as Nielsen Data Markets, Inc., which has established one of its facilities in the city. Health care, education, insurance, finance and government are the other primary non-manufacturing sectors.
Tourism:
Whether it is experiencing the Botanical Garden, a local winery, the Morton Pumpkin Festival or one of the city's glass blowing studio and galleries, you are sure to find a new kind of fun in Peoria, Illinois. Want to get outdoors? From hunting, fishing, biking or canoeing, exploring wetlands and watching wildlife, the possibilities for outdoor adventure are endless in Peoria. Check out the Peoria Zoo. Open year round, this zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals from around the world, including several endangered species. Next, head over to the Wildlife Prairie State Park and discover the animals that called Illinois home during the pioneer days. This unique 2,000-acre zoological park is home to wolves, black bear, cougar and more. With all of these exciting opportunities, it's no wonder why Peoria moving companies are so busy.