1874

Peoria city fathers permitted ferry travel across the narrows above Peoria to accommodate many Tazewell County residents.  This ferry would be replaced by the Upper Free Bridge, which the McCluggage Bridge would replace.

A Bishop J. Dixon arrived in Washington to try to start a congregation of the United Brethren church.

Washingtonian and decorated Civil War veteran Colonel Herman W. Snow was nominated as a Republican candidate for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The furniture factory of Gustave Portman and Frank Aubertin burned to the ground.

The "Y" railroad crossing was completed in Washington which allowed the C&A Railroad (the one that was on Wood Street) access to Peoria.  This most likely refers to the branch with the boxcars seen below.  For reference, the undated photo below looks southwest towards the viaduct.  We are also including a more recent 2019 photo for further perspective.

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