The largest city on the Illinois is Peoria, which has a population of over 115, 000 people. It is located in the central part of the state and is the county seat of Peoria County. Peoria is known for its rich history, having been founded in 1691 by French explorers. It is also home to Bradley University, a private university with an enrollment of over 5, 000 students. Peoria is a major manufacturing center, with Caterpillar Inc. being one of the largest employers in the area.