Illinois: Galena

Galena is the largest city in Jo Daviess County and a popular tourist destination known for its historical architecture, golfing and skiing.  The city was once the home of Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant and hosts over one million visitors a year. Many Chicagoans own second homes in Galena.

Downtown Galena

General Grant's Home

http://www.granthome.com/grant_home.htm



General Grant's Statue

The interior of General Grant's home

The city derives its name from the mineral "galena" a form of lead sulfide that was mined in the area since the times of the Sac and Fox Native American tribes, who used the ore for body painting. By 1845 Galena was producing 80% of the lead in the U.S.

More than 1,000 buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.



The Belvedere Mansion

http://galenabelvederemansion.com/index.html

The Belvedere Mansion is the largest mansion it the city.  It was built on 1856 for J. Russell Jones (1823 - 1909) who in 1860 was elected to the legislature from JoDaviess and Carroll Counties. He was considered to be an influential Civil War patriot.

 



The Dowling House

The Dowling House is Galena’s oldest home which served as a trading post and residence in 1826.

The Ryan Mansion

http://ryanmansiontours.com/tours.html

 

The Ryan Mansion was built in 1876 for Mr. James M. Ryan and today serves as a Bed & Breakfast Inn.

 



A little known fact is that Jo Daviess County offers the best in Illinois wineries! In Galena, wine connoisseurs can sample locally produced wines and participate in year round events.