Pekin, Illinois

Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, Pekin, Illinois is located halfway between Chicago and St. Louis (about 165 miles from each) and serves as the county seat of Tazewell County. A small portion of the city extends into Peoria County. Home to more than 33,000, Pekin is the largest city of Tazewell County. Pekin is the 13th-most populous city in Illinois, outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The city features a large park with a lagoon, Mineral Springs Park, which is located near Pekin Hospital.

In 1829, a County Surveyor named William Hodge laid out what was to become Pekin. He called it "Town Site", indicating the land was suitable for settlement. The town was named Pekin, after China's “City of the Sun” - Pekin(g). Commercial development began as early as 1827. By 1837, the community had a school and post office, three stores, two taverns, a church, a ferry service, and a railroad. Steamboat trade was also a growing factor in the local economy. By 1849, the population of Pekin had grown to 1,500 and residents unanimously agreed to organize under a City charter. In the 1850s, industry took root in the community with a wagon maker, a manufacturer of reapers, a packing plant and a distillery. Today, Pekin boasts a solid economic base and is home to many professional, industrial and manufacturing jobs including Pekin Insurance and Aventine Renewable Energy.

Pekin has a lengthy history of manufacturing and industry which places it in a high risk category for asbestos exposure. Workers and others exposed to asbestos may be at risk for mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related disease. Asbestos attorneys may be able to give guidance if you were exposed to asbestos in Pekin and then diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Jobsites in Pekin where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Pekin, IL have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.