Peoria and Morton

"Second day 21st [Monday, October 21, 1867]
My back & hips
worse. Strong talk among Henry & the children of putting me on the Cars at Peoria. Started late on account of the rain. Got to town about 9. Cars don't go out till 4. Guess I'll stick to the wagon a little longer. Saw sassafras growing last evening & today. Noon. Are feeding in company with 2 families that are moving back to Owen
County, Ind. from the west part of this state. Perhaps we
may travel in company awhile. Sun shining out now about 2 hours high. In Morton, Henry gone into the post office to put Jane's letter in to David."

In 1867, Peoria had about 20,000 people. The metro area now has a population of over 389,000. It is one of the oldest and largest
cities in the Midwest. Ann writes that because of her painful back and shoulder, there is "strong talk" among the family to have her finish the trip by train. However, rather than wait 7 hours for the next departure, she decides to ride in the wagon a little longer.


Peoria is a large, thriving Midwest city with a peaceful riverfront park. We spent some time at the river's edge watching the boats and enjoying a rare low humidity day.

Morton calls itself the "pumpkin capital of the world". Libby's has a pumpkin packing plant there, and over 80% of all canned pumpkin is processed in Morton. I'll keep that in mind when I enjoy pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving!