Peoria in Peoria County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Woodward Home

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 23, 2019

1. Woodward Home Marker

Inscription. After the Civil War, increasing congestion in the valley finally forced expansion to the bluff. This dynamic new growth was fueled by the courage and enterprise of men such as Henry R. Woodward. Responding to growing demands for public services, he and his partners founded the Peoria Street Railroad and the Peoria Bell Telephone Company.

In 1870, the year mules first pulled trams on newly laid rails up the Main Street hill, Henry Woodward built his Second Empire style residence on the newly fashionable bluff, away from the clamor of the city. An ornate and imposing tower, almost invisible from the front, but dominating the south side of the house, could be widely admired from the valley.

The Woodward Mansion remained in the family until 1945. Periodically remodeled to reflect desires and tastes of the owners and now adapted to apartment usage, it is among the oldest structures still standing on Moss Avenue, and one of the finer examples of Second Empire style architecture of this period remaining in downstate Illinois.

Erected by Central Illinois Landmark Foundation.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 40° 41.687′ N, 89° 36.677′ W. Marker is in Peoria, Illinois, in Peoria County. It is on West Moss Avenue west of North MacArthur Highway, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 W Moss Ave, 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: Pettengill-Morron House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frank Lloyd Wright / The Francis W. Little House (approx. ¼ mile away); Bradley University Home Plate (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bradley University Football (approx.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2023

2. Woodward Home Marker

0.3 miles away); The Bradley Homestead (approx. 0.3 miles away); Moss-High Historic District / Bush House (approx. 0.4 miles away); George Washington Carver Community Center (approx. half a mile away); Erastus D. Hardin House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peoria.

Regarding Woodward Home. Woodward was involved in various businesses, principally in pharmaceuticals. Besides being an organizer of the Peoria Street Railway, he also was its president.

Woodward Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2023

3. Woodward Home

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 742 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 11, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.