Majestic Homes & Timeless Landmarks
Pekin is a community where history isn’t just remembered — it’s beautifully preserved and proudly displayed too. From grand colonial mansions and elegant Victorian homes, courthouses, and historic schools, the city offers a fascinating driving tour that feels like stepping back in time. With every corner offering a story, Pekin invites travelers to explore a legacy of resilience, innovation, and community pride.
Majestic Homes & the World’s Greatest Sundial
Pekin has a long history dating back to the 1800s. That means majestic old homes, schools, and public buildings lining a fun, historic drive around town. One of the oldest is the Rupert Park Estate, an 11-room, colonial-style mansion on Walnut Street. Nearby Washington Intermediate School is a sight to behold with its origins dating back to 1929. Washington Street is filled with many grand, well-preserved, historic homes, including the Carl Herget Mansion and a Queen Anne Victorian that was featured on House Hunters.
Continue to the Dirksen Congressional Center for even more interesting facts about the life of Sen. Everett Dirksen and his impact in our community. Or snag a photo of our giant sundial — claimed to be the world’s most accurate (and greatest) — located in the Sunken Gardens. Walk through time and learn more about the history of each site. Check out the Local History Room at the Pekin Public Library for even more tales of Pekin’s history and its people.
Pvt. William Henry Costley
Legins-Costley Park along Court Street in Downtown Pekin — 2023
This site recognizes Pekin Resident William Henry Costley, the first enslaved man emancipated by the efforts of Abraham Lincoln, then a young attorney. He enlisted in the Union Army and was present at the first Juneteenth.
St. Louis, Peoria, and Northern Railroad Depot
1900 Broadway St. — 2004
This historic, one-story, rectangular railroad station in Pekin was built in 1898, originally at 1408 Broadway St. Then-President Herbert Hoover made a campaign stop here in 1932 with Sen. Dirksen before a crowd of more than 7,000. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and moved to its current location in 2006.
Carl Herget Mansion
420 Washington St. — 1992
Built in 1912 for Carl Herget, a businessman and member of one of Pekin’s most prominent families, the Peoria architectural firm Hewitt & Emerson designed the Classic Revival home. The house has 14 rooms, three fireplaces, and a third-floor ballroom. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and the landscaping was certified as a National Wildlife Habitat.
Tazewell County Courthouse
Court Street between Capital and Fourth streets — 1985
The current Tazewell County Courthouse is the county’s fourth courthouse and was completed in 1916 over the site of the previous Tazewell County Courthouse. Of Beaux-Arts style by architects Deal & Ginzel of Lincoln, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The Steamboat Columbia Disaster
Near the IL-29 Bridge on Pekin’s Riverfront — 2003
On July 5, 1918, the steamboat Columbia sank near what was then Wesley City, located between Pekin and Peoria. What began as one of the season’s premier social events ended in tragedy. Of the estimated 500 passengers onboard when it sank, 87 died, 57 of whom were from Pekin.
Union League of America
Northwest corner of Capital and Court streets in Downtown Pekin — 1975
At this location in June 1862, the first Union League of America meeting was organized. This organization was founded to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Union. By the end of December 1863, the organization had more than 140,000 members in Illinois and almost a million nationwide in chapters that spread from this first gathering.
29th United States Colored Infantry
Tazewell County Courthouse in Downtown Pekin — 2024
This marker recognizes the Civil War 29th Colored Infantry Regiment and the 12 African American soldiers who enlisted in the Union Army at the Tazewell County Courthouse in April 1864. Five of these men would be part of Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger’s Army that liberated Galveston, TX — the last stronghold of slavery in America — on June 19 1865, an event celebrated today as Juneteenth.
Nance Legins-Costley
Legins-Costley Park along Court Street in Downtown Pekin — 2023
This marker recognizes Pekin Resident Nance Legins-Costley, the first enslaved individual emancipated with the help of Abraham Lincoln, then a young attorney.
Pekin Federal Building
334 Elizabeth St. — 1980
Commonly called the “Old Post Office,” the Pekin Federal Building was built in 1906 with the post office on the first floor and the Department of Treasury and Army Recruitment Office on the second floor. This Renaissance Revival Building was listed as a National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
