Who were the first people in Pekin, IL? This question delves into the rich history of the town, uncovering the origins of its earliest inhabitants. Pekin, located in Tazewell County, Illinois, has a history that dates back to the early 19th century, and its founding is closely tied to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region. Understanding the first people of Pekin is essential to appreciating the town’s cultural heritage and the development of its unique identity. In this article, we will explore the Native American tribes that were the first people in Pekin, IL, and their impact on the town’s history.
The first people in Pekin, IL, were the Peoria tribe, a Native American group that historically inhabited the Illinois River Valley. The Peoria tribe was one of the three principal tribes that made up the Illinois confederacy, alongside the Kickapoo and the Miami. These tribes had a complex social structure, with a chief leading each tribe and a council of elders making decisions on behalf of the community.
The Peoria tribe had a deep connection to the land, relying on it for food, shelter, and cultural practices. They practiced agriculture, primarily growing corn, beans, and squash, and were skilled hunters and fishers. The Illinois River provided them with a vital waterway for transportation and trade, connecting them to other tribes and early European settlers.
In the early 19th century, the United States government began implementing policies aimed at relocating Native American tribes to reservations in the west. This process, known as Indian Removal, had a profound impact on the Peoria tribe. The Treaty of 1818, signed between the United States and the Illinois confederacy, led to the Peoria tribe’s forced relocation to present-day Oklahoma.
As the Peoria tribe left the Illinois River Valley, they left behind a legacy that shaped the future of Pekin, IL. The town was established in 1830 by European American settlers, who named it after Peking, the capital of China at the time. The settlers were drawn to the fertile land and the potential for agricultural prosperity in the region.
The Native American presence in Pekin’s history has had a lasting impact on the town’s cultural identity. Today, Pekin is known for its annual Peoria Indian Days celebration, which honors the town’s Native American heritage. The celebration features traditional Native American dances, music, and crafts, allowing residents and visitors to learn about and appreciate the contributions of the Peoria tribe and other Native American groups to the region.
In conclusion, the first people in Pekin, IL, were the Peoria tribe, a Native American group that inhabited the Illinois River Valley. Their forced relocation to Oklahoma marked the beginning of a new chapter in Pekin’s history, as European American settlers arrived and established the town. The legacy of the Peoria tribe continues to be celebrated through events like the Peoria Indian Days, ensuring that the first people of Pekin’s story is never forgotten.
