PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria County leaders are starting the new year by marking a significant anniversary, with celebrations planned throughout the year.
Monday marks the 200th anniversary of the formation of Peoria County, as signed by the Illinois state legislature. The celebrations started with a kickoff event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, featuring members of the county board, as well as representatives from area organizations.
Peoria Historical Vice President Ed Barry, who spoke on historically significant events in the county’s 200 years, says it has not been a quiet two centuries.
“A lot of wonderful things have happened, things that have impacted all aspects of society” Barry said. “From private business, to government, to society, art, culture. The list is long.”
Some of the more notable things Barry pointed out include the creation of Caterpillar and the founding of Bradley University in Peoria. He also noted some of the more world-famous figures who called the county home, including Dan Fogelburg and Richard Pryor.
County Board Chairman James Dillon says the bicentennial is not just about looking back, but looking ahead to the county’s future, especially some of the positives in the area.
One of the ways Peoria County will mark 200 years is by having painted bison throughout the county in public places. The goal is to have residents, businesses, and organizations request a bison to paint themselves, or have a local artist paint it, and to display it by April.
The county also plans to have an outdoor celebration in October on the Peoria County courthouse square to recap the year long events.
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