PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - It may come as no surprise that Peoria was founded by a farmer who saw an opportunity to prosper in the rich land sitting on the Illinois River.

Derived from the indigenous people that lived in the area, the city of Peoria was founded around 1837, about 12 years after the county was formed. Since then, the River City has been a hub for exports, historically grain and alcohol, like beer and whiskey.

Peoria Historical Society Curator Maureen Naughtin said the city was settled by six young men, all around 18 or 19 years old, who were exploring north from St. Louis. The men settled at the base of the present-day Bob Michael Bridge.

She specified that one man, Josiah Fulton, decided to cultivate the rich soil around him, and he laid the groundwork for a prosperous

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