Peoria in Peoria County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Peoria's Historic Brick Boulevard
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2023
1. Peoria's Historic Brick Boulevard Marker
This portion of Armstrong Avenue is the only remaining brick boulevard combination left in the city of Peoria.
The John Armstrong Family came to Peoria in 1836, and the family farmhouse still stands at 303 West Armstrong. John Armstrong donated land for Armstrong Avenue to the city of Peoria in 1854, and in 1904 the street's gravel surface was replaced with Purington paving bricks.
On May 20, 1992, at the request of the Armstrong-Ellis Neighborhood Association, the Peoria Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the 400-500-600 blocks right-of-way be designated as a local historic landmark. Approval by the Peoria City Council was given on August 4, 1992. In the fall of 1996, with the financial cooperation of the neighborhood residents, the city of Peoria, and state and federal agencies, the street was rehabilitated with new sidewalks, curbings, ornamental lighting, and brick repair on the boulevard.
The Glide automobile, one of the first motor cars made in America, was designed and built here in Peoria by John B. Bartholomew who resided at 501 West Armstrong.
The granddaddy of Peoria streets has
this page online
Erected by Central Illinois Landmark Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 1992.
Location. 40° 42.267′ N, 89° 36.209′ W. Marker is in Peoria, Illinois, in Peoria County. It is at the intersection of West Armstrong Avenue and North Sheridan Road, in the median on West Armstrong Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Peoria IL 61606, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Peoria Grain Trade / The Charles H. Feltman House (approx. Ό mile away); Armstrong Homestead
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2023
2. Peoria's Historic Brick Boulevard Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2023
3. Armstrong Family Farmhouse
It was built in 1857 by Alexander Armstrong, John Armstrong's third son.
Via Wikipedia (Public Domain)
4. Glide automobile advertisment
This ad appeared in the February, 1909 issue of The Outing Magazine Advertiser.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
