Galena, Illinois | |
|---|---|
 Main Street in 2023 | |
 Seal | |
| Etymology:Galena ore | |
 Location of Galena in Jo Daviess County, Illinois | |
  Galena  Galena | |
| Coordinates:42°25′19″N90°25′45″W / 42.42194°N 90.42917°W /42.42194; -90.42917[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Jo Daviess |
| Township | East Galena,West Galena, andRawlins |
| Settled | 1690s (French)[2] |
| Founded | 1826[3] |
| Incorporated | 1835[4] |
| Chartered | 1841[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.51 sq mi (11.67 km2) |
| • Land | 4.50 sq mi (11.65 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0077 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 709 ft (216 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 3,308 |
| • Density | 736/sq mi (284.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (North AmericanCentral (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code(s) | 61036 |
| Area code | 815 |
| FIPS code | 17-28300 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394840[1] |
| Website | http://www.cityofgalena.org/ |
Galena is the largest city inJo Daviess County, Illinois, United States, and itscounty seat.[7] It had a population of 3,308 at the2020 census.[6] A 581-acre (235 ha) section of the city is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places as theGalena Historic District. The city is named for the mineralgalena, which was in the ore that formed the basis for the region's early lead mining economy.
Native Americans, primarilyMeskwaki,Ho-Chunk,Sauk, andMenominee had mined galena in the area for more than a thousand years before European Americans settled in the area.[8] Owing to these deposits, Galena was the site of the first major mineral rush in the United States. By 1828, the population was estimated at 10,000, rivaling the population of Chicago at the time. Galena developed as the largeststeamboat hub on theMississippi River north ofSt. Louis. Galena was the home ofUlysses S. Grant and eight otherCivil War generals. Today, the city is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, and resorts.
The city is named forgalena,[9] the natural form oflead sulfide (PbS) and the most importantleadore.[10]Native Americans mined the ore for use in burial rituals.[11] TheHavana Hopewell first traded galena in the area during theMiddle Woodland period (c. 1–400 CE). However, the use of galena in the Havana territory is uncertain; very little has been identified in burial mounds.[12] During theMississippian period (900–1500 CE), galena saw use asbody paint.[13]
In 1658French explorers, probably via contact with theSioux, first noted lead deposits in theUpper Mississippi Valley. A 1703 French map identified the northwestern Illinois area asmines de plumb.[14] Northwestern Illinois was inhabited by the Sauk and Meskwaki when the French arrived.[3] In the 1690s, Frenchtrappers discovered the area and began mining the lead.[2][15] However, conflicts with the Sioux prevented large-scale mining untilJulien Dubuque's Mines opened across the river in 1788.[14]
The French named the settlement asLa Pointe, and early American settlers adopted this name as "The Point" after the United States acquired the territory in theLouisiana Purchase of 1803. Early documentation officially records the name as "Fever River" for the wild beans that grew there, an early name for theGalena River.
This name did not appear to be widely used.[16]George Davenport, a retiredcolonel in theUnited States Army, successfully shipped Galena's first boatload of lead ore in 1816 down the Mississippi River. Three years later, Jesse W. Shull built atrading post.[17] The Thomas H. January family, who arrived in 1821 fromMaysville, Kentucky, are considered the first permanent American settlers. The next year, theUS Department of War assumed control of the mines and leased the lands out to operators.[18] A large group of colonists led by Dr. Moses Meeker and James Harris arrived in 1823.[19] Steamboat trade began in 1824.[17]
The first official lease of the mines on behalf of the US government was dated September 30, 1822, and made toJames Johnson, brother ofUS SenatorRichard Mentor Johnson. Martin Thomas, appointed by the government in 1824 to oversee mine leases, was commissioned to survey the mines in 1826.[20]
The name "Galena" was purportedly proposed during a town meeting that year; rejected names included Jackson, Harrison, and Jo Daviess. After Thomas platted the town, starting in June 1827, settlers could lease plots from the government. The land remained in government possession until the leasing system was eased out in 1836–37.[19] WhenJo Daviess County was founded in 1827, Galena was named its county seat. This established the first courts in Galena; previous legal proceedings were heard in front of the Superintendent of Lead Mines.[21] 21 million pounds of lead were mined in Galena from 1825 to 1828, and the population skyrocketed in that time from 200 to 10,000.[22]
Local native tribes, then mostly Meskwaki and Ho-Chunk, permitted settlers to mine in established areas in Galena. However, the growth of the city led settlers to encroach on native land claims, as they sought new veins of lead.[23] Following a murder of a pioneer family nearPrairie du Chien, Wisconsin, by the Winnebago, Galena closed its mines for safety and European-American residents prepared for war. They constructed forts at nearbyElizabeth andApple River; although these were not used during the conflict, the forts provided residents with security and protection.[24] The ensuingWinnebago War was little more than a skirmish, but as a result, the US annexed more lands near the city in the resulting 1829Treaty of Prairie du Chien which they forced on the Winnebago.
A meeting of townspeople on February 1, 1830, established the first fire department.[25] At a town meeting at the county courthouse on September 7, 1835, sixty-five residents approved a motion for incorporation as a town. Eight days later, five individuals were elected as the first trustees. Incorporation was approved by the county board of trustees on October 2, and the first meeting of trustees occurred the next day.[4] The 15th Illinois General Assembly (1836–37) codified the trustee election process.[26] A steamboat was selected as the town seal on May 22, 1837.[27]
A state law governing local jurisdictions resulted in the town holding its first elections for mayor and aldermen on May 24, 1841, to replace the board of trustees.Charles S. Hempstead was elected the first mayor, with 185 of the 356 votes cast. The first US census of the town was also held that year, recording 1,900 inhabitants. Hempstead would serve until 1845.[28]
Indigenous peoples of the Americas traded galena with French traders as early as 1692.Julien Dubuque mined the ore in Iowa from 1788 until 1810. From 1807 until 1834, the United States government controlled leases, after which the lands were put up for sale. In 1839,David Dale Owen made a geologic survey of the region. TheOrdovicianGalena limestone contained most of the galena ore, and peak productivity occurred between 1840 and 1850. By 1845 Galena was producing nearly 27,000tons of lead ore annually, and Jo Daviess County was producing 80 percent of the lead in the United States.[17] In 1852, the region produced 87 percent of the American output, and 10 percent of the world's,[29] with pollutants from Galena's industry found as far away asLake Matoaka inTidewaterVirginia.[30]
Once one of the most important cities in the state, Galena was a hub on theMississippi River betweenSt. Louis andSaint Paul. Due to erosion, theGalena River is now inaccessible to steamboats. The first railroad built in Chicago, theGalena and Chicago Union Railroad, was intended to join the two cities but construction ended in 1853 atFreeport. Trackage between Freeport and Galena was completed by theIllinois Central Railroad in 1854, and later extended west toDubuque,Sioux City, andCouncil Bluffs. Galena received national attention in the 1860s as the home ofUlysses S. Grant.
Following a sharp decline in the demand for lead (which had been the city's chief income source during the early 19th century), Galena's population has dropped from 14,000 in the mid-19th century, to 3,396 in the early 21st century.[3][31]
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Galena's officialflag was adopted in 1976 to symbolizemining,agriculture,steamboats, and the nineAmerican Civil Wargenerals who lived in the city. Until the late 1980s, Galena was a small rural farming community.[citation needed]
In 1990, local industries included aKraft Foods cheese plant, Lemfco Foundry, John Westwick's foundry, and Microswitch, Inc. In the 1980s, Galena Mayor Frank Einsweiler initiated a tourist campaign.[citation needed] Since that time Galena's business district has emphasized its historic assets in the face of suburban development. Such long-standing businesses in the downtown area, including Stair's Grocery, Sullivan's Grocery, Clingman's Pharmacy, the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Illinois, andHartig Drug, closed their downtown locations. Clingman's and Hartig's relocated to the outskirts of Galena, while Stair's and Sullivan's closed their doors permanently because of competition. In late 2010, Clingman's joined the Hartig's family and moved their pharmacy to Hartig's Drugs location along Highway 20.[citation needed]
The Country Fair in Grant Park has been an attraction that has helped increase tourist traffic to Galena as a destination. It is a craft show that attracts thousands of visitors to the area.[citation needed] The once boarded-up Main Street buildings have been renovated since the late 20th century. In 2010, Galena started a campaign called Vision2020, modeled after neighborDubuque, Iowa's Vision 2010. A committee worked on outreach efforts with the community to form a vision of what residents wanted Galena to focus on for the next decade: five major concepts have been supported.[citation needed] In 2010, the 32nd annual Halloween Parade attendance was estimated at 15,000. In 2011,TripAdvisor listed Galena among its top-ten "Charming Small Towns".[citation needed]
Galena is located along theGalena River, which is one of many tributaries of theMississippi River.[17]
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Galena has a total area of 4.51 square miles (11.68 km2), of which 4.50 square miles (11.65 km2) (or 99.82%) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) (or 0.18%) is water.[32]
Galena is located in theDriftless Zone, an area that was not covered byglaciers during the recent ice ages.[3] This area, which includes the far northwestern corner of Illinois, escaped glaciation, while almost the entire state was glaciated, nearly to its southern tip.[33] Because it escaped glaciation, this area is known for its hills, valleys, bluffs and considerable exposed rock.[3]
Horseshoe Mound is a hill located outside Galena that U.S. 20 winds around before entering Galena. The view from Horseshoe Mound is one of the most photographed spots in the city. It stands at 1,063 feet (324 m) above sea level.
Neighboring places | |
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Galena has ahumid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa), with cold winters and hot summers.[34] Annual precipitation is about 36 inches, with a distinct peak in summer.
| Climate data for Galena (1991–2020 normals) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 59 (15) | 69 (21) | 85 (29) | 88 (31) | 92 (33) | 101 (38) | 101 (38) | 102 (39) | 94 (34) | 91 (33) | 77 (25) | 68 (20) | 102 (39) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 26.9 (−2.8) | 31.4 (−0.3) | 44.5 (6.9) | 57.4 (14.1) | 68.9 (20.5) | 78.2 (25.7) | 82.0 (27.8) | 80.3 (26.8) | 74.1 (23.4) | 60.9 (16.1) | 45.6 (7.6) | 32.6 (0.3) | 56.9 (13.8) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 18.5 (−7.5) | 22.5 (−5.3) | 34.5 (1.4) | 46.8 (8.2) | 58.2 (14.6) | 68.3 (20.2) | 71.9 (22.2) | 69.9 (21.1) | 62.3 (16.8) | 50.1 (10.1) | 36.7 (2.6) | 24.7 (−4.1) | 47.0 (8.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 10.0 (−12.2) | 13.6 (−10.2) | 24.4 (−4.2) | 36.2 (2.3) | 47.4 (8.6) | 58.3 (14.6) | 61.7 (16.5) | 59.5 (15.3) | 50.5 (10.3) | 39.3 (4.1) | 27.7 (−2.4) | 16.8 (−8.4) | 37.1 (2.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −33 (−36) | −35 (−37) | −14 (−26) | 12 (−11) | 21 (−6) | 33 (1) | 39 (4) | 37 (3) | 19 (−7) | 10 (−12) | −2 (−19) | −29 (−34) | −35 (−37) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 1.23 (31) | 1.53 (39) | 2.25 (57) | 3.89 (99) | 4.38 (111) | 6.02 (153) | 4.93 (125) | 4.19 (106) | 3.86 (98) | 3.02 (77) | 2.48 (63) | 1.82 (46) | 39.60 (1,006) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 10.3 (26) | 9.0 (23) | 5.1 (13) | 1.3 (3.3) | 0.3 (0.76) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.4 (1.0) | 2.0 (5.1) | 9.5 (24) | 37.9 (96) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 8.5 | 7.6 | 8.9 | 11.0 | 13.0 | 11.8 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 9.2 | 116.0 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 7.2 | 5.9 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 5.8 | 24.8 |
| Source 1:NOAA[35][36] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2:The Weather Channel (records)[37] | |||||||||||||
Because of the city's proximity to the Galena River, buildings have been threatened on numerous occasions by flooding. Eventually the Army Corps of Engineers built a dike to prevent city flooding.[38] Galena'sCongressman,Leo E. Allen, helped acquire funding for cityfloodgates which were added in 1951 to connect to the riverlevee system.[38] Significant recorded floods include:
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 6,004 | — | |
| 1860 | 8,196 | 36.5% | |
| 1870 | 7,019 | −14.4% | |
| 1880 | 6,451 | −8.1% | |
| 1890 | 5,635 | −12.6% | |
| 1900 | 5,005 | −11.2% | |
| 1910 | 4,835 | −3.4% | |
| 1920 | 4,742 | −1.9% | |
| 1930 | 3,878 | −18.2% | |
| 1940 | 4,126 | 6.4% | |
| 1950 | 4,648 | 12.7% | |
| 1960 | 4,410 | −5.1% | |
| 1970 | 3,930 | −10.9% | |
| 1980 | 3,876 | −1.4% | |
| 1990 | 3,647 | −5.9% | |
| 2000 | 3,460 | −5.1% | |
| 2010 | 3,429 | −0.9% | |
| 2020 | 3,308 | −3.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[42] | |||
As of the2020 census[43] there were 3,308 people, 1,656 households, and 883 families residing in the city. The population density was 734.13 inhabitants per square mile (283.45/km2). There were 2,008 housing units at an average density of 445.63 per square mile (172.06/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.55%White, 0.76%African American, 0.51%Native American, 0.63%Asian, 0.00%Pacific Islander, 4.35% fromother races, and 6.20% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 10.49% of the population.
There were 1,656 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.41% were married couples living together, 7.31% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.68% were non-families. 40.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.96% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 1.86.
The city's age distribution consisted of 17.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 25% from 45 to 64, and 30.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $57,558, and the median income for a family was $73,309. Males had a median income of $32,321 versus $27,975 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $40,456. About 1.9% of families and 7.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.
Galena is the home to the Galena Art Center and the Galena Arts and Recreation Center. Turner Hall, a 19th-century building on Bench St., has been restored to serve as a performance venue and a popular wedding site. Galena is also home to several historic sites owned by the State of Illinois including the Old Market House,the Ulysses S Grant Home, and theE.B. Washburn Home. The Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society also owns a number of historical sites including the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum and the Old Blacksmith Shop. They are building a new museum building at the site of the Stillman Mansion property.
Galena hosts dozens of major events a year, including the annual Halloween Parade which draws thousands of onlookers.
Galena is a popular tourist destination hosting well over one million visitors each year.[44] Galena is also popular with Chicagoans, many of whom keep second homes in the area.[45][46] Galena is largely popular as a result of its historic walkable urbanism, a rarity among American cities.[47]
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85 percent of the structures in Galena are within theGalena Historic District, which is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places and greatly contributes to the city's popularity.[2] TheOld Market House State Historic Site, built in 1845, is a museum of localsocial history. Main Street was one of the first in the state to require architectural review of exterior building modifications. Zoning restrictions against wood-structure buildings contributed to the prevalence of brick buildings. All along Main Street the architectural style and historic feel create a unique atmosphere.Efforts to improve the existing infrastructure while preserving the character of this neighborhood continued in 2003 with the adoption of a comprehensive plan. The plan outlines details on burying utilities, replacing parking with bike lanes and several beautification initiatives. This historic district has garnered the attention of dozens of volunteer groups who work to beautify and increase the utility of the area.As the premier street in the second most popular tourist destination in Illinois those planning Main Street must be focused on balancing new developments along the waterway, and the transition to commercial stores with the charm provided by natural areas and long standing businesses. Trolley Cars follow parade routes north and south on Main Street and connect shopping to parks and wineries.[48] The town is home to several wineries in theUpper Mississippi River Valley AVA.[49] In the area, there are 450 vineyards and 100 wineries available to visit.[50] Main Street in downtown Galena has a large number of specialty shops, restaurants, a brewery,[51] and multiplewineries.
Galena'sSaint Michael's Church was founded by the pioneer priestFather Samuel Mazzuchelli. The church is named after one of the threeArchangels. Opened in 1855, the downtown DeSoto House Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois.[52] Rooms 209 and 211 of the hotel were used as Ulysses S. Grant's campaign headquarters during his presidential campaign.[53] Future president Abraham Lincoln gave a speech from the hotel's Main Street balcony on July 23, 1856, supporting John Fremont's bid for presidency. Two years later, on July 25, 1858, SenatorStephen Douglas spoke from the same balcony.[53] Other famous guests includeTheodore Roosevelt,Mark Twain,Susan B. Anthony,Ralph Waldo Emerson,Horace Greeley,Frances Willard,Elizabeth Cady Stanton,Robert E. Lee, ChiefBlack Hawk,Millard Fillmore, andZachary Taylor.[54] GeneralWinfield Scott Hancock stayed in Room 223 for an extended period of time. There are also severalresorts andgolf courses in the Galena area.[55][56]In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, Galena Main Street was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places[57] by theAmerican Institute of Architects Illinois component (AIA Illinois) and was recognized by USA Today Travel magazine, as one of AIA Illinois' selections for Illinois 25 Must See Places.[58]
John O. Hancock opened the first school in September 1826.[21] The Galena Academy followed in 1832.[59] Galena is home toGalena High School.
Galena was the home to nine Civil War generals.[60][61] Foremost among these is Ulysses S. Grant, who first came to Galena with his wifeJulia and children in 1860 to work in the family tannery and leather-good shop. A veteran of theMexican–American War, Grant was called upon to train a regiment of volunteers raised in Galena when theCivil War broke out in 1861. Through the support of local congressmanElihu B. Washburne, Grant became Galena's first general when promoted byAbraham Lincoln on May 17, 1861. Washburne later served a brief stint as Grant'sSecretary of State and then asMinister to France. Victories atMissionary Ridge andLookout Mountain prompted Lincoln to promote Grant tolieutenant general on March 3, 1864, giving him command of allUnion Armies.
Grant returned victorious to Galena in 1865 and the citizens gave him anItalianate two-story brick house, today recognized as theUlysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.[62] He was selected as the candidate of theRepublican Party for the1868 presidential election. Grant was elected and served two four-year terms. He did not return to Galena.
Augustus Louis Chetlain, who captained the regiment that Grant trained, was laterbrevetted to major general.[63] JewelerJohn E. Smith, who raised the45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, was also brevetted a major general.Ely S. Parker drafted theAppomattox surrender terms of theConfederacy and was the onlyNative American general of the Union. President Grant appointed himCommissioner of Indian Affairs in 1869.John Aaron Rawlins, who served a term as city attorney in 1857, was brevetted in 1865 and briefly served as Grant'sSecretary of War. Brevetted brigadier generalJohn C. Smith later served asIllinois Treasurer,Lieutenant Governor, and Grand Master of the stateMasonic order. GunsmithJasper A. Maltby was promoted to brigadier general at theSiege of Vicksburg. John Duerr was brevetted in 1865, and later was a successful merchant inMonticello, Iowa.William R. Rowley was brevetted in 1865, and later became a county judge.[64]
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Galena, Illinois travel guide from WikivoyageMunicipalities and communities ofJo Daviess County, Illinois,United States | ||
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