[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E979-E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEORIA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th 
anniversary of Peoria County, located in the heart of Illinois. Along 
the Illinois River, Peoria County spans 629 square miles and is home to 
more than 181,000 residents who embody the resilience, innovation, and 
community spirit that define central Illinois.
  For two centuries, Peoria County has served as an economic anchor for 
our state. From its fertile farmland producing corn, soybeans, and 
livestock, to manufacturing giants like Caterpillar and Komatsu, the 
region's foundation remains strong. Over time, Peoria County has 
diversified into healthcare, education, research, and entrepreneurship, 
with a thriving reputation for innovation and investment.
  Peoria County serves as a hub for arts, culture, and recreation, with 
attractions such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Peoria

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Civic Center, embodying the best of the Midwest and providing 
metropolitan amenities within a welcoming, mid-sized community. Peoria 
is also home to Bradley University and Illinois Central College, 
preparing the next generation of leaders in Central Illinois.
  Above all, Peoria County is a wonderful place to call home. The many 
diverse communities which compromise Peoria County carry forward a 
tradition of family values, hard work, and small-town charm that 
continue to define the region.
  As we celebrate the bicentennial of Peoria County, we honor its proud 
past and look forward to the continued leadership role in Illinois and 
across the Midwest. I am pleased to represent this remarkable community 
and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Peoria County on 200 
years of history and progress.

                          ____________________