Peoria Shocker: Giant Chicken Coop Unearthed in Backyard

Peoria Shocker: Giant Chicken Coop Unearthed in BackyardPeoria Shocker: Giant Chicken Coop Unearthed in Backyard In a bizarre twist, homeowners in Peoria, Illinois stumbled upon an unexpected find in their backyard: a massive, underground chicken coop. The discovery came as the homeowners were excavating for a new pool when they encountered a solid foundation. After further excavation, they uncovered a sprawling network of chambers and tunnels, all meticulously built with cinder blocks. Measuring over 1,000 square feet, the coop boasts multiple levels, including a basement with a drainage system and a towering structure that once housed roosts. The remnants of chicken droppings and old feed buckets confirmed the coop’s former use. Historians believe the structure dates back to the early 1900s, when Peoria was a thriving poultry hub. It was likely built by a commercial chicken farmer to house thousands of birds. Over time, the coop was abandoned and buried beneath the earth, its existence forgotten until now. Local residents have been captivated by the discovery, which has ignited curiosity and speculation about the city’s hidden past. Some speculate that the coop might have been part of a larger farming operation or even a clandestine chicken-fighting ring. “This is like something out of a movie,” said one neighbor. “Peoria has a rich history, but who would have thought we’d find a chicken coop this size in someone’s backyard?” The homeowners are considering preserving the structure as a historical landmark. They hope to learn more about its history and share their remarkable find with the community. As of now, the “Peoria Shocker” chicken coop stands as a testament to the city’s forgotten agricultural roots and the unexpected treasures that can lie beneath our feet.