Discover Peoria, a Midwestern Treasure

LIBERTY’s very own Peoria residents Trey Tennell (Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing) and Dain Rakestraw (Manager, Marketing & Sales – Wire Products), give SPOKE a personal tour of their city, its rich history and the hidden gems that make this Midwestern town so unique.

Peoria, Illinois: Where History Meets Fun

In the “Land of (Abraham) Lincoln” lies the vibrant city of Peoria, Illinois, the oldest community in the state. Situated along the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria is a place where history comes alive, and fun is always on the menu.

A Peek into the Past

First things first, let’s talk history. In the early 20th century, this city was a hub for distilleries and breweries, earning it the nickname “Whiskey City.” Prohibition may have dried up the booze, but it didn’t dampen Peoria’s spirit.

Fast forward to the 1940s, and Peoria played a crucial role in World War II. The city’s Caterpillar Inc. churned out tanks, bulldozers, and other war machines that helped our troops win the war.

The Home of RedBrand Fence

Peoria is where Peter Sommer and his sons invented the first machine to weave wire into fence. They didn’t expect that the company Sommer founded would be a thriving steel and fence manufacturer 130 years later. But, that’s what happened when a patent was issued in 1889 to Sommer and his sons, John and Peter, for the first wire fence-weaving machine. The original machine was built by hand, as was the fence that came off it. The mesh pattern resembled a keystone, and thus, two years after the first machine was built, the company was named Keystone Woven Wire Fence Company.

This new fence solution was transformational, not only for Sommer, but for his neighbours. At first, the father and son team could produce about 200 feet of fence in a 16-hour day. However, as word of his invention began to spread, Sommer and his sons were forced to improve their methods to keep up with demand. After moving and expanding the facilities several times, the company settled at its current location in Bartonville, Illinois, adjacent to Peoria. The location was a strategic move, as Keystone could take advantage of the newly expanded railroad yards and proximity to the Illinois River.

In the first decade of the new century, Keystone grew tremendously. In fact, the need for steel was so great that the company built its own steel mill in 1902. A wire mill followed three years later in order to meet the demand for high-quality materials. Barbed wire and nails were added to the list of company offerings. With the introduction of steel manufacturing, the company reorganized and adopted the name Keystone Steel & Wire in 1907. It was purchased by LIBERTY in 2019.

What else is Peoria Known For?

A city of about 113,000 in the central part of the Illinois, Peoria has historically been a bellwether for the Midwest and, at times, the nation. It is a place where marketers tested products, politicians honed their slogans and rock stars kicked off tours. “Will it play in Peoria?” the saying went. Companies would try out their latest inventions here to see if they’d be a hit nationwide, for everything from toys to beer.

And speaking of beer, this town knows how to brew a good one. With a rich brewing history dating back to the mid-1800s, Peoria has some fantastic microbreweries and craft beer joints.

Peoria’s Must-See Spots

Ready for some adventure? Here are a few places you absolutely can’t miss in Peoria:

1. The Peoria Riverfront: The Illinois River sets the stage for this charming riverfront area. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk, catch a concert at the CEFCU Center Stage, visit the Riverfront Museum or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the water.
2. Peoria Chiefs: Peoria’s Dozer Park is the home to the Peoria Chiefs, a Single-A minor league baseball team that serves as a farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s a fun way to enjoy an evening out.
3. Peoria Zoo: If you’re an animal lover, this place is a must-visit. Hang out with the red pandas, giraffes, and more. Don’t forget to feed the lorikeets and snap a pic with the peacocks showing off their fabulous feathers.
4. Grandview Drive: Dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive” by President Teddy Roosevelt during a during a 1910 visit, this 2.52 miles of winding road offers jaw-dropping views of the Illinois River Valley. It’s especially spectacular in the fall when the leaves put on a fiery show.
5. Caterpillar Visitors Center – the nearly 50,000-square-foot facility is home to eight exhibit galleries and four theatres featuring more than 50 videos and 800 photographs that tell the story of Caterpillar’s 90-year legacy.
6. Wildlife Prairie Park: Get your nature fix at this 2,000-acre wildlife park. You can spot bison, elk, cougars, and even an endangered Amur leopard. It’s a wild experience right in the heart of Illinois.
7. The Peoria Civic Center: Catch a show, attend a sporting event, or explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum, all conveniently located in one spot.
8. Colleges: Peoria is also the home to two higher education institutions, including Bradley University founded in 1897 by trailblazing woman Lydia Moss Bradley, and Illinois Central College.

Foodie Delights: When it comes to grub, Peoria has it all. Dive into a deep-dish pizza, savour some soul food, or indulge in farm-to-table cuisine. And if you’re a fan of international flavours, you’ll find a delightful array of options. Don’t miss Black Band Distillery, located in Peoria’s Warehouse District. In addition to some great brews, they house a farm-to-table restaurant and cocktail bar.

So, there you have it, folks—Peoria, Illinois, a city with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a promising future. It’s a place where you can savour the past, relish the present, and dream about all the fun you’ll have.

Come see for yourself why Peoria is a Midwest treasure waiting to be discovered.