In
1680
upon this spot stood
Fort Crevecœur
built from the plans of
Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle
Here was centered the hope of
Louis XIV
for a broader empire of the French
on American soil
From here in 1680 went forth . . . — — Map (db m220305) HM
Ferries provided the earliest transportation across the river. In 1849, a toll bridge was completed across the river in the area of the Michel Bridge to your left.
The Franklin Street Draw Bridge began operation in 1912. It was replaced by the . . . — — Map (db m220195) HM
You are standing on the site of Wallace Station, a coal-fired power-generating plant operated by Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO).
The facility provided electricity to an area centered around Peoria. The plant began operating in 1925 and at . . . — — Map (db m220190) HM
[Main monument]
Dedicated to all men and women
wounded in all our wars
My stone is red for
the blood they shed.
The medal I bear
is my country's way
to show they care.
If I could be seen
by all mankind
maybe peace will . . . — — Map (db m220217) WM
The Peoria riverfront reflects the development of this area from its earliest days.
Still visible are the 1899 Rock Island Railroad station, warehouses, banks and commercial buildings. The gazebo with flags commemorates the 75th anniversary of . . . — — Map (db m220186) HM
The first passenger train came to Peoria in November 1854 on what became known as the Rock Island line. By 1920, Peoria had 15 railroads offering freight and passenger service from three railway stations and more than 100 trains a day through the . . . — — Map (db m220211) HM
The Illinois River served as the first highway through this area, bringing the earliest settlers, whether by canoe, or dugout, longboat or flatboat. Beginning in 1829, steamboats increased the flow of passengers and goods. Just south of here, the . . . — — Map (db m220210) HM
Abraham Lincoln attended court in the fine two story rectangular brick courthouse with four Grecian columns and copper dome on this site. Here in 1842 he was challenged to a duel by James Shields. Lincoln last spoke here August 30, 1858. — — Map (db m12184) HM
