Miners and traders flocked to the Point. It was reconstructed in the 1930s as part of a WPA project. 1822-The first mining lease was granted by the federal government to Col. James Johnson, who brought 20 white miners and perhaps 50 slaves from Kentucky to work his claim. 1893-During the nationwide economic depression, many Galena businesses failed. 1868-Grant ran for president. 1819-Francis Bouthillier took over the deserted Armstrong cabin and established a ferry across the Fever River at the foot of what is now Bouthillier Street. The Winnebago War of 1827, also known as the "Fevre River War", is associated with this river. The first boatload of lead ore was shipped down the Fever and Mississippi Rivers by Col. George Davenport, after whom Davenport, Iowa is named. About 100 men came up the river from St. Louis to work the Fever River mines. Galena was the first mineral rush city in the United States back in the 1820's. 1965-Galena became the first community after Springfield to adopt a local historic preservation ordinance, which established a local historic district. Galena, population 470, is located west of the Interior city of Fairbanks along the historic river. The river was originally known as "Rivière aux Fèves" and "Bean River" due to the large amounts of wild beans that grew along its banks. In fact, 85% of Galena’s buildings are in a National Register Historic District. Felt estate. A 581-acre (235 ha) section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District. 1 Firehouse is believed to be the oldest firehouse of its type in Illinois. Flood of 1993 was named the Hundred Year Flood. 1845-Lead ore production in the lead region (Galena, IL area; Dubuque, IA area; and southern Wisconsin), peaked at 54 million pounds, representing more than 80 percent of the nation’s total. Among the party was 15-year-old Daniel Smith Harris, destined to become the most prominent steamboat captain on the Upper Mississippi River. 1823-The Virginia becomes the first steamboat to ascend the upper Mississippi River. Meanwhile, Dr. Moses Meeker and his colony arrived on the keelboat Colonel Bumford, and Meeker began smelting lead. 1937-The worst flood in Galena’s history occurred. 1900-Vice president Theodore Roosevelt spoke at Turner Hall. Galena Country is known for it's well-preserved, 19th-century architecture and Ulysses S. Grant history, but there's even more to discover in this historically amazing destination! I am a native Galenian and love having easy access to hours worth of listening material which I can reference at my own pace. Galena’s history began early in America’s quest to explore the West. History Prehistory and early history. Large numbers of miners began arriving, including settlers from Lord Selkirk’s failed colony on the Red River in Canada. It grew rapidly as the regional capital of lead mining, the largest riverboat port north of St Louis, and a prominent brewing … French explorers visited the region in the late 17th century and found Sauk and Fox Indians mining lead. The location was on the site of a former Athabaskan fish camp recorded in the 1880 Census map as Natulaten. U.S. Geological Survey. One of Galena's most important landmarks, The Steamboat House is a Gothic Revival historic mansion built by steamboat captain Daniel Smith Harris and his wife, Sarah. This left mapmakers in Wisconsin confused…to this day. The river rises in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, south of Benton and southwest of Shullsburg. The Koyukon Athabascans had seasonal camps in the area and moved as the wild game migrated. In the summer many families floated on rafts to the Yukon River to fish for salmon. All reviews beautiful house period pieces galena river great history tiffany jones chandeliers architecture steamboat homes. The Old City Cemetery was established on Quality Hill, between High and Dodge Streets. History Galena was originally founded as a mining town in 1879. Overlooking the banks of the Galena River, the historic town of Galena, Illinois blends the pristine beauty of the Midwestern countryside with a welcoming spirit and endless recreational and cultural pursuits that earned us a place on Forbes Magazine's “Prettiest Towns in America” list and Conde Nast Traveler's “Friendliest Cities in America” rankings. 1847-The government began to sell land in the Lead District to private owners, after more and more miners and smelters circumvented payment of royalties on leased land, thus rendering the leasing system ineffective. Later, Ulysses S. Grant and his family worshipped there. A new mining boom began as Indian claims were extinguished. 1846-The Market House opened for business. Galena saw its first serious flood, with steamboats floating down Main Street. Galena, Illinois By the middle of the 19th Century, Galena was one of the richest river towns in the Midwest. 211 South Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036, © 2018 Galena History Museum | All Right Reserved. For the History. 1865-Grant returned from the Civil War in triumph and was given a huge reception and home in Galena by prominent Republicans. This region was ice-free during the Wisconsin glaciation and underwent hundreds of thousands of years of glacial-free erosion. 1968-Over 85 percent of Galena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 32 Stat., 399", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galena_River_(Illinois)&oldid=955875386, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Galena River → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico, This page was last edited on 10 May 2020, at 08:35. It enters Illinois in Jo Daviess County to flow through the city of Galena before it joins the upper Mississippi River a few miles south and west. Sackett and Co. kilns on Dewey Avenue. 1982-A new footbridge opened connecting Grant Park to downtown. 1690-Frenchman Nicholas Perrot established a trading post on the east side of the Mississippi River opposite the present site of Dubuque, Iowa. Indians defeated the militia at the battle of Stillman’s Run, which caused panic in the Lead District. Because of its location along the Mississippi River, Galena became an important port stop between St. Paul and St. Louis, allowing the city to blossom. The short-lived Winnebago Indian uprising in southern Wisconsin sent many miners and farmers to Galena for protection. Galena’s first Chamber of Commerce was organized. our history Grace Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the Diocese of Chicago. Grant went to work in his father’s leather goods store as a clerk for $600 per year. It is now a senior citizen’s center. (Liz Martin/The Gazette) The Galena River flows near the historic district, providing recreational opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in Galena on … 1926-Turner hall was gutted by fire. Following English language code-switching of the French river name "Rivière aux Fèves", the river name was corrupted and was eventually referred to as "Fever River". Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. It is now Galena Green Condominiums. Construction began on Galena Square. It was named after a life-long Galena resident whose estate provided money for the project. The Galena River, also known as the Fevre or Fever River,[1] is a 52.4-mile-long (84.3 km)[2] river which flows through the Midwestern United States. Work began as sprinklers, fire alarms, and a stage loft were added. 1994-Judith Gratton became the first woman County Board Chairman. There were 12 summer fish camps located on the Yukon River between the Koyukuk River and the Nowitna River.Galena was established in 1918 near an Athabascan fish camp called … Eventually, we thought it might be time to move on downriver. It lies along the Galena River (originally called Fever River), 4 miles (6 km) east of the Mississippi River and about 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Dubuque, Iowa. Explore Galena’s history and meet the spirit of Ulysses Grant in a hologram that welcomes guests to the museum where true national treasures, such as the “Peace in Union” and “General Grant on the Battlefield” paintings, Flag from the Vicksburg Siege, a topographical map of Jo Daviess County, and the stories of mining and steamboating are presented. The Illinois Central Railroad Depot was built. History. 1859-The Alexander Jackson home was constructed on Bouthillier Street. Must-visit spots include the Grant Home, The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, and the DeSoto and Washburne Houses. 1851-An Italianate-style firehouse was built on Bench Street. Galena’s population reached an all-time high of roughly 14,000. Water levels rose rapidly Monday afternoon. David Sheean was elected Mayor. The river was originally known as "Rivière aux Fèves" and "Bean River" due to the large amounts of wild beans that grew along its banks. On the flip side, some old … 1978-Reconstruction on the Coatsworth Building was begun. 1690-Frenchman Nicholas Perrot established a trading post on the east side of the Mississippi River opposite the present site of Dubuque, Iowa. Anti-War Democratic lawyers Madison Y. Johnson and David S. Sheean were arrested for disloyal activities. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Galena River, "ACTS OF FIFTY–SEVENTH CONGRESS June 27, 1902. A school was es… 1857-Ely Parker, part Seneca Indian, was appointed superintendent of construction for the U.S. Customs House and Marine Hospital in Galena. The Galena River flowing through downtown. The river also occupies a substantial canyon. 1911-A tornado caused severe damage to the roof of the Grant Home. James Jones begins publishing the first newspaper in the Region, the Miner’s Journal. The Winnebago Indians resisted at Johnson’s landing, insisting they had not ceded the land to the United States, as had the Sauk and Fox Tribes. Chicago, Illinois 6 contributions. The Methodist Church was built on Bench Street. The "River of the Mines" of La Setter, afterward "La Rtviere de Fere" of the French settlers, and still later the "Fever River" of the universal Yankee, became in 1854, by an Act of the Legislature of Illinois, the "Galena River." The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and personalized the tour based on our history interest. Over 425,000 pounds of lead ore was shipped from Galena, or “January’s Point”, as it was then known. It is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Galena. 1993-Kraft closed its Galena plant, consolidating production at the Stockton plant. GIFT SHOP ONLY - THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM. 1828-In February, the steamer Josephine had to break through the ice in the Fever River to deliver flour to residents of Galena, who were desperately short of provisions. The wood floor on the main level, as well as many windows and doors, were replaced. Spring thaw and heavy late spring rainfall caused the Galena River and Mississippi River to crest at the highest level ever. Gaslights lined the streets and the Marine Hospital was completed along the Galena River. 1988-Frank Einsweiler retired as Mayor of Galena after 50 years of community service. There was serious damage to main downtown buildings. The Coatsworth at one time housed J.R. Grant’s leather shop where Ulysses worked. Lead was already a trade article with the French. The former Galena Forward Operating Location (FOL) is located on the northern bank of the Yukon River in the City of Galena, approximately 45 miles east of Nulato, 270 miles west of Fairbanks, and 350 miles northwest of Anchorage. 1890-A lock and dam was built near the mouth of the Galena River, functioning until 1921. Hazel Green was part of the mining boom that took place in this part of Wisconsin in the 1800s. The Galena River being centrally located between St. Louis and St. Paul on the Mississippi River made Galena a hub of steamboat commerce it was once one of the most important cities in Illinois and being the home of General Ulysses S. Grant the city received national attention during the 1860s. Galena's political history is among the most significant in the State of Illinois. Steamboats began regularly scheduled service between Galena and St. Louis. Galena is a city in Northern Illinois 16 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa and 163 miles west from Chicago.It is known as "The City that Time Forgot" for its rich 19th century heritage. Guest speakers included Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. The Galena River, also known as Fever River, meanders through the lush scenery of Northern Illinois before winding through Galena’s historic downtown. We talked about the river, floods, and the history of Galena. The service was discontinued in 1981 due to low ridership, poor management, and lack of funds. 1860-Ulysses S. Grant and family arrived in Galena and rented the house at 121 South High Street. During its heyday with 800 or so residents, Galena was the largest community in the Wood River Valley boasting several hotels, stables, a meat market & the Daisy Saloon. The spur linked Galena to Galena Junction, where the main railroad line—still active—follows the Mississippi River. Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. Established in 1826, the city of Galena was named after a rare mineral formed from lead sulfide. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The Silver Eagle Casino left Frentress Lake near East Dubuque and moved out-of-state. It was dedicated as the Frank L. Einsweiler bridge. Trains on the spur stopped running around 1960. The Galena Complex has a large resource base to be exploited with high-confidence exploration targets along extension and below existing resources with potential for deeper-level, high-grade targets. Galena’s Democratic administration played a very small roll in the festivities. While not an official historic site, Council Hill Station dates back to the 1850s, … Toll bridges were built at Bouthillier and Franklin Streets. Galena is Latin for lead sulfide. A census revealed 650 houses and 2,225 people in the city. The narration is easy to understand and allows me to casually learn about and explore my home town.” [3] Following English language code-switching of the French river name "Rivière aux Fèves", the river name was corrupted and was eventually referred to as "Fever River".[3][4]. The first post office in northern Illinois is established at the corner of Main and Perry Streets. A farmer’s market operated on the first floor and outside on the square until 1910. Great History. Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. Ulysses S. Grant Home. 1824-The U.S. Government appointed Lieutenant Martin Thomas as mine agent to issue leases and collect royalties for the Federal Leadmine District. Jenna A wrote a review Nov 2020. From the origins of Kraft Cheese to one of the earliest African-American churches in Illinois, Galena Country is loaded with stories of yesteryear, making it a cultural cornerstone where past meets present. History is a growth industry: There are two trolley companies, two ghost tours, a walking tour, kayak tours on the placid Galena River, even a scooter tour to a country vineyard. Reconstruction began immediately and portions of the new facility were opened by August. | Developed by Belstar Media, Garret Johnson – The Galena African-American Heritage Foundation, Toys through Time: Holiday Antique Toy Show, Galena River Wine & Cheese 2nd Annual Portfolio Tasting. Our rolling hills, history, 19th century architecture and opportunities for year round outdoor recreation attract nearly a million visitors a year. This stage of Turner Hall renovation was completed in June 1992. Although two floors were removed in 1880, the building still stands today as the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. 1906-The high school building on Prospect Street was completed. Thirty-four local fire departments fought the blaze. 1928-Hard surfacing with concrete of U.S. 20 completed through the city of Galena. 1854-The name of Fever River was changed G River by the Illinois State Legislature. 1997-Elihu Washburne home renovation was completed and opened to the public. 1848-Westminister Presbyterian Church was built on South Bench Street. Council Hill Station. The river was named after René Bréhant de Galinée, a French missionary and explorer. The Galena River Trail is built upon an old railroad spur of the Burlington Railroad main line, constructed in 1886. 1931-U.S. Grant Home is deeded to the state by the City of Galena. Fires caused extensive damage to wooden buildings on Main Street. The City of Galena is located in the unglaciated area of Northwest Illinois. H.H. 1827-Jo Daviess County organized; it was named after a Kentucky lawyer and militia officer who fell at the head of his troops at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 in Indiana. The name of the river is confusing, because while originally named the Fever River, the state of Illinois (shamed to have a river named after smallpox) renamed it to the Galena River. John Dowling’s trading post was built about this time of native limestone. It was the first recorded permanent settlement on the Fever River. 1996-The Galena/Jo Daviess Chamber of Commerce began a major rehab of the Old Railroad Depot. The Old No. His campaign headquarters were located at the DeSoto House. The Mississippi River took nearly three weeks to return to below flood level. 1932-Congressman Leo Allen was elected, and began 28 years as the district’s congressman. The history of the area runs as deep as the ore veins in the mines nearby. The Customs House, built to register Upper Mississippi steamboat cargoes, was also the new Post Office. Put-in near Galena's Main Street which will offer you plenty of opportunities to explore the river on your own, or to take day excursions offered by a … 1973-Frank Einsweiler, strong preservation advocate was elected to the first of four terms as Mayor of Galena. He departed with militia for Springfield, hoping for a commission in the regular army. 1891-The bronze statue of Grant and the Soldier’s Monument was installed in Grant Park. 1841-The state legislature granted a charter of incorporation to the City of Galena. The Illinois Central Railroad arrived in Galena. 1826-Lieutenant Thomas began to lie out streets and lots. 1862-Because of Galena’s southern antecedents, divided loyalties sill existed. St. Mary’s Catholic Church was constructed according to the plans of missionary Father Samuel Mazzuchelli. 1839-Dredging began on the Fever River as the silting problem worsened-a result of soil erosion caused by mining, excessive cutting of trees for smelters and steamboats, and farming. Drawbridges were built at Meeker and Spring Streets. The Blackhawk War broke out. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel. Most of it was shipped out of the region on Galena steamboats. The City of Galena, Alaska was established in 1918 as a supply and trans-shipment point for lead ore (galena) mining prospects south of the Yukon River. The worst Galena fire ever devastated many Main Street buildings. 1861-The War Between the States broke out. 1855-The five-story DeSoto House opened its doors for business and quickly claimed the reputation as being one of the finest. 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