2025 Perry Pioneer Days

Every year, the small community of Perry in Pike County, Illinois comes alive with the sounds of celebration during Perry Pioneer Days. This beloved festival not only brings together residents and visitors for fun and festivities, but also serves as a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the remarkable history that shaped this corner of western Illinois.

A County Born from Exploration

Pike County itself has a fascinating origin story that speaks to the spirit of American exploration and expansion. The county was named for Zebulon Pike, leader of the Pike expedition in 1806 to map out the south and west portions of the Louisiana Purchase, though some sources indicate Pike led a twenty man expedition to the Mississippi River in 1805 as a lieutenant. This connection to one of America's most famous explorers gives Pike County a direct link to the nation's westward expansion.

When Pike County was first established, it was truly massive in scope. Pike County, named for explorer Zebulon Pike, was established in 1821 and was 3.5 million acres of Military Tract land that followed the Illinois River and stretched to the northern and western Illinois borders. The original Pike County included the then small village of Chicago. Imagine that – the area now known as Chicago was once part of Pike County! Out of this territory were finally organized about one fourth of the counties of what would become modern Illinois.

The Pioneer Spirit Lives On

The first American settlers came about 1820, and these hardy pioneers faced the challenges of carving out new lives on the Illinois frontier. The county seat itself moved several times in those early days, reflecting the dynamic nature of frontier life. For twelve years before (1821), when Pike County was first carved out of Illinois territory, the county seat was southwest of Hardin at Coles Grove for two years. In 1823, Atlas was named county seat before eventually settling in Pittsfield was created to be the county seat in 1833.

One of the most remarkable pioneer stories from Pike County involves Frank McWorter, whose legacy demonstrates the diverse nature of early Illinois settlement. Founded by Frank McWorter, an early free black settler in Pike County, it was the first town founded by a black man in the United States. In 1836 he founded the town of New Philadelphia, near Barry. He was elected mayor and lived there the rest of his life. With the sale of land, he made enough money to purchase the freedom of his children. This incredible story of determination and success adds an important dimension to Pike County's pioneer heritage.

Connections to Famous Figures

Pike County's history interweaves with some of America's most famous personalities. Brigham Young spent several weeks living in nearby Atlas. A Mormon settlement (called Mormontown) was established east of Pittsfield around 1839. Even more notably, Abraham Lincoln came into Illinois as a young man in 1830, and settled in New Salem in 1831. He became a lawyer and moved to Springfield in 1837. These connections remind us that the pioneers who settled Pike County were part of the larger American story.

Perry Township Today

Today, Perry Township maintains its quiet, rural character. At the 2010 census, its population was 594 and it contained 310 housing units, reflecting the close-knit community atmosphere that makes Perry Pioneer Days such a special celebration.

Why Perry Pioneer Days Matters

Perry Pioneer Days serves as more than just a community festival – it's a living connection to the remarkable heritage of Pike County and the broader story of American settlement. The event celebrates the courage, determination, and community spirit that characterized the early settlers who transformed the Illinois frontier into thriving communities.

When you attend Perry Pioneer Days, you're not just enjoying modern festivities; you're participating in a tradition that honors the legacy of explorers like Zebulon Pike, visionary leaders like Frank McWorter, and countless ordinary pioneers who chose to build their lives in this beautiful corner of Illinois.

The next time you're at Perry Pioneer Days, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of history beneath your feet. From the vast territorial ambitions of the early 1800s to the intimate community gatherings of today, Pike County continues to embody the pioneer spirit that built America.