Peoria. City Hall. 419 Fulton Street, Suite 401. Peoria, IL Phone: (309) Fax: (309) Cayla Walsh. RPTA 235 Section 1

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1 Peoria City Hall 419 Fulton Street, Suite 401 Peoria, IL Phone: (309) Fax: (309) Cayla Walsh RPTA 235 Section 1 September 23,

2 Peoria, located in central Illinois, has been home to mankind dating all the way back to 10,000 B.C.E. Located on the Illinois River, archeologists have discovered burial mounds as well as artifacts that show the Native American culture was quite popular. By 1650 the Illinois Indians populated most of the area. Peoria was a major tribe amongst the Illinois Confederacy, and this is where the name for the city was derived from. (Peoria.com, 2010). In 1830 the Peoria tribe had many quarrels with its enemies and major issues with the Indian Removal Act. Because of this, most of the tribes were forced to settle in Oklahoma as time went on. (Peoria Historical Society, 2010). In 1673 Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the asked by the French governor to explore the Mississippi valley and claim the area as French territory. This was where they met up with the Peoria Indians after having explored over 2,750 miles by canoe and foot. A state park is now named after Marquette and the town of Joliet Illinois is named after Joliet. (Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2010). A few years later in 1680, Robert Cavalier Sieur de LaSalle and Henri de Tonti built Fort Crevecoeur on the east bank of the Illinois. Tonti then partnered up with Francois Daupin de LaForest and built Fort St. Louis, also known as Fort Pimiteoui, located at the foot of Mary and Adams Street. Established by Jesuit missionaries, a village was formed around the fort declaring the first European settlement in Illinois. The village included trading posts, a blacksmith shop, a chapel, a winepress, and a windmill. (Peoria Historical Society). In 1778, what is currently known as downtown Peoria, the new village was formed. Jean Baptiste Maillet was in charge of the old Village and moved 1.5 miles south of there to build the new village. The new village consisted of log houses, barns, and farmland, as well as all the essential businesses that the old village consisted of. During the War of 1812 the Americans 2

3 were fearful that the French villagers were supporting Indian alliances with western pioneers. In October of that year the Americans killed the residents of Chief Black Partridge s village. Later they burned French Peoria down to nothing, took the villagers captive, and sent them down the river. An act of the United States Congress was later implemented and the villagers were compensated for their losses during this event. (Peoria Historical Society). Another historical fact that makes Peoria quite unique is that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas gave many speeches together on the Peoria courthouse steps. Many of these speeches were in regards to slavery, an issue that the town was quite divided on. One famous speech that Lincoln gave here was three hours long and discussed his opinions regarding the principles of self-government and liberty for all American citizens. It is said this speech is to have established a foundation for his running six years later as president. (Peoria Historical Society). Economically, Peoria Illinois is a thriving city and growing daily. In July 2010 the workforce was at 205,849, which is down from 208,007 as of one year ago in July The unemployment rate increased from 181,370 in July 2009 to 184,332 in July The unemployment rate was also decreased from 26,637 in July 2009 to 21,517 in July As of 2005 the business that employs the most people in Peoria is Caterpillar Inc. employing almost 18,000 people. Next is OSF St. Francis Medical Center with about 4,000. OSF is also one of the largest Catholic hospitals in the nation. The third biggest employer is employing almost 3,000 is the School District 150, and last is the Methodist Medical Center with about 2,600 employees. (Peoria Economy, 2010). Another large revenue source for Peoria is Bradley University. This private school is home to 6,000 students throughout the year, and offers more than 100 3

4 undergraduate degrees making Bradley University in Peoria Illinois an ideal place for students to mix the big and small town feeling together for college life. Due to Peoria being located in the Midwest, this city is ideal for agriculture. With corn and soybeans being the primary crops grown, Peoria is an ideal livestock and grain exporter. The agriculture industry plays a very big role and is responsible for employing much of the population. The National Center for Agriculture Research is operated in Peoria Illinois by the United States Department of Agriculture and conducts research on testing soil and chemical development. They have joined with other research programs to expand the use of patents into the private sector. This ultimately adds to the economy of Peoria and helps provide more for the community members. (Peoria Economy). 4

5 Poplulation- Gender: ,465 53,471 Male Female (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010) 5

Population- Age: 2006-2008 4,084 7,688 5,090 6,052 2,293 8,366

15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 15,184 15,578 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to

6 Population- Age: ,084 7,688 5,090 6,052 2,293 8,366 8,408 7,777 Age Under 5 years 5 to 9 14,362 9,481 8, to to to to 34 15,184 15, to to to to to to and over (U.S. Census Bureau) 6

7 Population- Marital Status: ,685 1,736 9, Years and over Never married 41,553 28,508 88,154 Now married, except separated Separated Widowed Divorced (U.S. Census Bureau) 7

Population- Level of Education 25 years and over (total: 70,288): 2006-2008 Marital Status 7,319 4,376 7,725 Less than 9th grade 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 12,393

8 Population- Level of Education 25 years and over (total: 70,288): Marital Status 7,319 4,376 7,725 Less than 9th grade 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 12,393 18,055 High school graduate (includes equivalency) Some college, no degree 15,611 Associates degree 4,809 Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree (U.S. Census Bureau) 8

9 Population- Occupation: Occupations 2,837 13, ,887 Civilian employed population 16 years and over Management, professional, and related occupations Service occupations 8,845 19,104 49,878 Sales and office occupations Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations Construction, extraction, maintenance and repair occupations Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (U.S. Census Bureau) 9

10 Median household income: $36,397 Population- Income and Benefits (in 1999) 667 6,947 3,937 6,947 2, Income and Benefits Total households Less than $10,000 $10,000 to $14,999 45,094 $15,000 to $24,999 $25,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $49,999 5,814 6,567 3,565 5,804 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more (U.S. Census Bureau) 10

11 Population- Race (one single race): Race 110,501 27,992 78,254 White Black or African American American Indian and Alaska Native Asian 2,435 1, , Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Some other race Two or more races One race (U.S. Census Bureau) 11

Polulation- Asian race: 2006-2008 341 184 244 982 Asian race Asian Indian Chinese

12 Polulation- Asian race: Asian race Asian Indian Chinese Filipino Japanese Korean Vietnamese Other Asian (U.S. Census Bureau) 12

Population- Race: 2006-2008 2,984 107 1,847 717 29,553 80,323 White Race Black or African American American

13 Population- Race: , , ,553 80,323 White Race Black or African American American Indian and Alaska Native Asian Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander Some other race (U.S. Census Bureau) 13

14 Population- Hispanic or Latino of any race: Hispanic or Latino of any race Total 110, ,936 Hispanic or Latino of any race Mexican Puerto rican ,839 1,974 Cuban Other Hispanic or Lation Not Hispanic or Lation (U.S. Census Bureau) 14

15 Religious Affiliation for Peoria County (2000) Religious Affiliations 22,097 Egangelical Protestant 93,988 26, Mainline Protestant 35,462 Orthodox Catholic 5,057 Other Unclaimed (The Association of Religion Data Archives, 2010) 15

16 Disability Demographics for State of Illinois Disability 9,077, , , , , ,000 10,128,000 1,051, , ,000 Total: Any type of Disability Hearing Vision Cognitive Mobility Daily Activity Limitation Self-care activities Routine activities No reported disability In 2000 there were 29,566 people with disabilities ages five and up in Peoria County (Center for Personal Assistance Services, 2010) (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, 2010) 16

17 The demographics of Peoria Illinois cover many different areas. The different races in the city of Peoria consist of about 65% white, 25% black, 4% only Asian, 4% Hispanic, and 3% are two or more races. Regarding the education of the community 25 years of age and older, 83% of people have completed high school or higher, 28% have received a bachelor s degree or higher, and 10% have completed a graduate or professional degree. The marital status consists of 32% have never been married, 47% are now married, 2% are separated, 8% are widowed, and 11% are divorced. The estimated median household income for a family living in Peoria Illinois was $44,446 in 2008, while the estimated median house or condo value was $124,600. Unfortunately, Peoria has a higher unemployment rate than the state of Illinois as of April Peoria s rate was about 12% while the state of Illinois was 11%. Whiskeytown, Peoria s nickname, had an average crime rate of in These crimes consisted of murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, and arson. This community also has 290 full-time law enforcement employees which include police officers in While there are many different career opportunities for the members of this community to peruse, the most common industry worked in among males is machinery service at 13%, professional, scientific, and technical services; construction work; and accommodation and food services at 7%, educational services comes in fifth at 6% health care at 5%, and last but not least, public administration at 4%. While machinery services may be the top career choice for males, for females that is the healthcare field at 19%. Next is educational services at 14%, accommodation and food services at 9%, professional, scientific, and technical services; machinery; finance and insurance are at 5%, and social assistance comes in last at 4%. Peoria also makes it very easy for one to grow up and live there for the rest of their life. There are many different hospitals, educational districts, universities and colleges, as well as 17

18 career openings. All of these places are distributed throughout the city allowing for young adults to branch out into their community yet still be able to raise a family the same place they were raised. Another demographic that makes Peoria unique is that the average household size is 2 people with about 61% owning a home and 5% living there with unmarried partners. Of the home owning residents in the city, the most common used heating fuel is utility gas at 77%, electricity 22%, and bottled, tank, or LP gas at 1%. In the last presidential election in 2998 between Obama and McCain, 43% voted for McCain and 57% voted for Obama. The election prior to that in 2004 was split evenly 50/50% between Kerry/Edwards and Bush/Cheney. There was about 49% of the population of Peoria affiliated with a religious congregation in About 11% of the population attends the United Methodist Church, 7% attend Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 40% attend the Catholic Church, 6% attend the Lutheran Church, and 38% attend another type of congregation. (City-Data.com (2), 2010). There are many important businesses and industries that allow Peoria Illinois to run at its finest. Caterpillar Inc. is one of the most popular industries that also employ many community members. Other major businesses included in this area include the many different hospitals in Peoria. St. Francis Medical Center, Methodist Medical Center, and Children s Hospital of Illinois are a few that help aid the community when disaster strikes. The education and school systems also contribute largely to this city. Bradley University and Illinois Central College are two of the popular education institutes in the area as well as the numerous elementary, middle, and high school districts. (City-Data.com, 2010). Not only do many big industries call Peoria home, Peoria is also well known for its park district and the many other recreational activities that are offered. This historic park district holds acreage in the City of Peoria, West Peoria, Peoria Heights, and other nearby townships. 18

19 Holding the title of the first park district to be formed in Illinois in 1894, there are many different activities offered to provide for a wide array of community members. There is everything offered from sports, to visual arts, to fishing, and camps held for all ages. (Peoria Park District, 2010). Another popular attraction that Peoria holds in regards toward park districts is Wildlife Prairie State Park. This park is home to over 150 animals and allows for their guests to walk through the natural habitat in which these animals are living. It also provides an educational center that teaches its guests about the natives that founded the land we now call Peoria Illinois. (Wildlife Prairie State Park, 2010). Another popular activity not only for tourists coming to visit Peoria, but for the local residents as well is shopping. There are several shopping areas including an outdoor mall, a two story indoor mall, strip mall, as well as many other stores located throughout the town. Anything from electronics to wedding apparel can be found in this town. (Peoria Malls, 2010). Peoria Illinois has much to offer as a community and is well known for its park district. This growing city has much to offer its community members and welcomes new residents every day. With the wide array of recreation and leisure this town has to offer, there is something for every type of community member. This Midwestern city offers the luxury of living in a large town with everything nearby as well as the quaint neighborhoods that give the feel of small town charm. Peoria offers many education facilities, career choices, recreation and leisure options, as well as lifestyle options. Peoria Illinois is sure to please every resident, as it has something to offer everyone. 19

20 Sources The Association of Religion Data Archives. (2010). County Membership Report, Peoria County, Illinois. Available: [2010, September 13]. Center for Personal Assistance Services. (2010). Disability prevalence in Illinois. Available: ence%20data&state=illinois [17, September 2010]. City-Data.com. (2009). Peoria Economy. Available: [17, September 2010]. City-Data.com (2). (2010). Peoria, Illinois. Available: [2010, 19 September]. City of Peoria Illinois. (2010). Contact the City Clerk. Available: [2010, September 05]. Peoria.com. (2010). Peoria Illinois History. Available: [2010, September 05]. Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (2010). Peoria Area History and Trivia. Available: [2010, September 05]. Peoria Economy. (2010). City-data.com. Available: [2010, October 08]. 20

21 Peoria Historical Society. (2010). Peoria Illinois; Peoria History. Available: [2010, September 09]. Peoria Malls. (2010). Malls in Peoria Illinois. Available: 8&rlz=1I7TSHB_enUS337&um=1&ie=UTF- 8&q=malls+in+peoria+illinois&fb=1&gl=us&hq=malls&hnear=Peoria,+IL&view=text&ei=K8 mvtmtgfoskngfx6isdbg&sa=x&oi=local_group&ct=moreresults&resnum=1&ved=0cdaqtqmwaa [2010, October 08]. Peoria Park District. (2010). Overview and Mission Statement. Available: [18, September 2010]. The Peoria Riverfront. (2005). Available: [2010, September 16]. U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Peoria County, Illinois Fact Sheet. Available: qr_name=acs_2008_3yr_g00_dp3yr3&-ds_name=acs_2008_3yr_g00_&-_lang=en&- _sse=on [2010, September 12]. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. (2010). State and County QuickFacts: Peoria County, Illinois. Available: [21, September 2010]. Wildlife Prairie State Park. (2010). Available: [18, September 2010]. 21

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