What is the history of Peru, Illinois?
The city’s first settler was John Hays, in about 1830. It became a successful river port, but, with the construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, it was soon replaced as a port by LaSalle, IllinoisLa Salle. After the closing of the Illinois & Michigan canal, Peru returned to its state as a busy river port, but still the canal runs in to the city as of this day. The city was organized as a borough in 1838, and was officially incorporated as a city on March 13, 1851. The City is the birthplace and hometown of world renowned violinist Maud Powell, who was born on 1112 Bluff Street, where the 251 bridge currently stands. The City was home to Turn Hall, which was the location of Maud Powell’s first performance. The city was also the world headquarters of Westclox clock company. When Westclox closed, in the late 1970s, the population fell. The city is also the headquarters for Maze Lumber and Maze Nails. The city was also home to Star Union Brewery, which closed in 1963 when it was boug
