Peoria, County seat in Illinois, United States
Peoria is a city on the Illinois River in central Illinois serving as the seat of Peoria County. The city extends along the river banks with streets lined with older buildings and contemporary commercial structures.
French explorer Henri de Tonti established this settlement in 1691, making it the first permanent European settlement in Illinois territory. By the late 19th century, the city had grown into a major industrial center in the Midwest.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum presents art collections, science exhibits, and regional history displays through rotating exhibitions and permanent installations. Visitors can follow the city's connection to the Illinois River through themed galleries and interactive displays.
The city maintains an extensive public transportation network with regular bus routes connecting residential areas to downtown and major employment centers. The central area along the river is easy to explore on foot, with parking available in several neighborhoods.
During the late 1800s, Peoria emerged as the whiskey production capital of the United States with twelve operating distilleries. This period shaped the economy and industrial heritage of the Illinois River city.
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