Peoria, Illinois

Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County{{GR|6}}, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 112,936.

Related Topics:
Illinois River - County seat - Peoria County - Illinois - 2000

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A special census was conducted in 2004 which noted a 5,200 increase in city population, mainly in the northwest corridor. The metropolitan area has a population of 370,000 which consists of Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, and Marshall counties.

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The city of Peoria is home to Bradley University, the world headquarters for Caterpillar Inc., and the USDA's National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. The city also has a federal courthouse, a Peoria Civic Center (which includes Carver Arena), an outstanding park district which has received numerous gold medal awards with several thousand acres of parks, three hospitals, the Midwest Affiliate of St. Jude Hospital and a medical school. Peoria has also been awarded the coveted All America City award three times.

Related Topics:
Bradley University - Caterpillar Inc. - USDA - Federal - Courthouse - Carver Arena

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Peoria has become famous as a representation of the average American city, because of its demographics and its perceived mainstream Midwestern culture. On the Vaudeville circuit, it was said that if an act would succeed in Peoria, it would work anywhere. The question "Will it play in Peoria?" has now become a metaphor for whether something appeals to the American mainstream public, and Peoria is often used as a test market for new products.

Related Topics:
American - City - Demographics - Midwest - Vaudeville - Metaphor - Test market - Product

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Peoria was the English word for the American Indian tribe that resided in the area, the Pimitoui. Pimitoui translates into "fat lake". The Illinois River broadens its width around the Peoria area, forming Peoria Lake.

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