Galena’s Railway Station
July 5, 2016
Galena, Illinois became the destination of a girl’s getaway weekend this past May. Other than hearing how old, picturesque and quaint the town was, we knew little about it and we were delightfully impressed. Galena is rich in history and architectural beauty with 85 % of the buildings in a National Register Historic District. Organized in 1826, the town of Galena quickly became a hub for lead mining and shipping along the Mississippi River from the Galena River. In 1845 Galena shipped a record 54,494,850 pounds of lead. By the 1850’s Galena was the busiest port between St. Paul and St. Louis with sometimes fifteen steamboats docked along Water Street at one time.
As for the political side of Galena’s history, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel. In 1860, Ulysses S. Grant came from St. Louis to work in his father’s leather goods store. Grant met many politically influential people and subsequently was named a General in the Civil War. When Grant triumphantly returned from the War in 1865 , he was given a fine furnished home on as a token of the town’s gratitude. Now an historic site, it is open to the public.
In 1848 at the start of the California Gold Rush, the lead mining industry began to decline and Galena population began to decline also. Today, Galena is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, shopping and resorts. The following photos are a mere sampling of what there is to do and see in Galena…
Grant’s home stands behind the statue of Julia Dent Grant.
A room full of Grant memorabilia can be seen in the Galena Welcome Center.
Grants Park sits overlooking the Galena River – an inviting spot to sit-a-spell.
Downtown is very walkable and full of shops and restaurants.
To see more of Galena,, the trolley tour is relaxing , interesting and entertaining all in one. Also a terrific way to see the town but avoid walking the very hilly terrain.
Taken from the trolley window, this is a great example of hills and staircases.
This Guest House is another example – imagine carrying your suitcase up those stairs….
Along the banks of the Galena River, there are beautiful , peaceful places to enjoy the scenery and nature .
Or a great walking path to explore.
Galena has one majestic home after another – there was no end to the beautiful historic homes.
of all sizes
The Belvedere Home, built in 1857, has 22 rooms and is open to the public for tours. Sadly, the day were there, it had not opened yet for the season.
The condo we rented backed up to some woods and had a convenient patio railing where I could sprinkle the bird seed I brought. ( Yes, I do travel with bird seed – was there any doubt?)
And look what I attracted…….
an Eastern Bluebird…
and an Oriole !!!!!
(There are many orioles – I think this is a Scott’s Oriole)
Thanks for reading and safe travels !!!
Jeannie's Travel Addiction 