The Long History of Illinois In the 17th century, French explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, floated down the Mississippi River and claimed the territory for France. Prior to that, various Native American tribes inhabited the land including the Miami, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Kicka...
Peoria, city, seat (1825) of Peoria county, central Illinois, U.S. Peoria lies along the Illinois River where it widens to form Peoria Lake, about 160 miles (260 km) southwest of Chicago. With Peoria Heights, West Peoria, Bartonville, Bellevue, East Peoria, Creve Coeur, Marquette Heights...