Galena is located in the northwest corner of Illinois. It was named for the mineral galena which was the basis for the lead mining economy of the region. In its peak year, local mines produced 85% of the nation’s lead. It became the largest steamboat hub on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. Galena is now a thriving tourist town with over one million visitors annually. They come for the food, scenic views, and historic sites. A full 85% of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1860, Ulysses Grant moved to Galena to work in his father’s leather goods store, seen here in an 1862 photo.
It wasn’t long before Grant went east to fight in the Civil War. He returned in 1865 and was given a furnished house by the grateful citizens of Galena. The first photo shows his home in 1865 and, in the third photo, Grant with his son on the front porch, also in 1865.
Here is an 1850 photo of the scenic waterfront. Note, in each photo, the church spire on the right and, to its left, the brick building with five windows per floor.
Here is a ca. 1900 photo of Main St.
DeSoto Hotel
The five story DeSoto Hotel opened in 1855 and is seen here in an undated photo. It boasted 225 guest rooms, a 300-seat dining room, plus stores, offices, a saloon, and bowling alley. Today it has three stories and and 55 guest rooms.
