Galena, Illinois
Looking Backward, Moving Forward
Galena’s architecture reflects its successive histor y as a Native American settlement, a mining boom town, a rural farming community and, more recently, a regional tourist attraction. 85 percent of the buildings in Galena are included within a National Register Historic District. Originally settled in the 1600s by Native Americans, Europeans began to arrive in the late 1700s.
The westward push into the region by Americans began in the 1800s, and by the middle of the century, the region produced 80 percent of the lead mined in the United States. Prior to becoming President of the United States, Galena was home to Civil War hero General Ulysses S. Grant. During this period, Galena also enjoyed its heyday due to its booming lead trade, boasting a population in excess of 14,000. However, a sharp decline in the demand for lead caused a steady population decline, reducing Galena to a struggling rural farming community.
Since the 1980s, however, Geneva has been able to preserve its historical and architectural heritage while populating its structures with eclectic shops, innovative ar t and ar tisan galleries, antique shops and specialty foods. As a result, Galena’s Main Street has been called Illinois’ second Magnificent Mile. Visitors would be well advised to reserve ample time to explore its well preserved and restored structures as well as its inviting establishments. Major attractions include General Grant’s Italianate style home and the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum.