South Pekin, a historic village in Illinois, traces its roots back to the early 1820s when white settlers first arrived in the area that would later become Tazewell County. The village was established in 1917 by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad to serve as a vital water, refueling, and repair station along its new line connecting Chicago and St. Louis.
Initially settled by families living in boxcars provided by the railroad, South Pekin has grown into a close-knit community with a rich history tied to the coal industry and railroad development in the region. Today, visitors can explore the village's past through its well-preserved architecture and enjoy the small-town charm that defines South Pekin.
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