City Council approves land transfer to officially buy land for Freedom and Remembrance Memorial site

PEORIA (25 News Now) -A project aimed at preserving a piece of Peoria’s history is continuing to move forward.

On Tuesday, the Peoria City Council approved acquiring a piece of property that will become a memorial to the former Moffatt cemetery.

The land was owned by the Roofers and Waterproofers Union #69 and they freely donated it to the city but because a dollar amount had to be attached the city bought it for just $10.

Now, the process of creating what will be the new Freedom & Remembrance Memorial Site can begin.

The city council voted unanimously to complete the transfer of ownership of the land on the corner of SW Adams and South Griswold Street to the city.

The city and the Peoria Park District will now take over building the new memorial site and maintain the grounds once it’s completed.

Bob Hoffer, one of the main pivotal volunteers behind the project, was out at the site Wednesday marking it’s outline.

As 25News previously reported, this site will be where the three markers will be placed honoring the 2,000 everyday Peoria residents, the 50 veterans and Nance Legins-Costley who were buried at Moffatt cemetery,

Emily Cahill, the Executive Director of the Peoria Park District, says taking over this property will help people remember a historic piece of Peoria’s history and ties to former President Abraham Lincoln.

”It’s a good example of the kinds of things we need to do to celebrate our history because our history will inform our future and how we honor those who came before us and it honors the people who come after us,” says Cahill.

The markers telling the story of Moffatt cemetery, which closed in 1905, and Nance Legins-Costley is on display at the Riverplex, the one dedicated to the Veterans is on display right now at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Next, a flag pole will be ordered and the cement will be poured and laid down to begin creating the foundation.

The memorial site should be open and ready for the public by this Spring.

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