Peoria

Peoria (pop. 339,172, industrial city in north-central Illinois, the third largest city in the state and the seat of Peoria County. Peoria is a transportation and distribution center for a large surrounding area. Among its products are tractors and other farm machinery, earth-moving equipment, fencing, masonry, alcoholic beverages, foodstuffs, radio equipment, and power. A government agricultural research laboratory and Bradley University also have their homes here. The town developed in the early 19th century on the site of an old French and Indian settlement. It became a city in 1845.