It was dedicated as the Frank L. Einsweiler bridge. Great History. Galena, city, seat (1827) of Jo Daviess county, northwestern Illinois, U.S. I am a native Galenian and love having easy access to hours worth of listening material which I can reference at my own pace. Lead was already a trade article with the French. The Old City Cemetery was established on Quality Hill, between High and Dodge Streets. Chicago, Illinois 6 contributions. Meanwhile, Dr. Moses Meeker and his colony arrived on the keelboat Colonel Bumford, and Meeker began smelting lead. our history Grace Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the Diocese of Chicago. The Galena River, also known as Fever River, meanders through the lush scenery of Northern Illinois before winding through Galena’s historic downtown. The Mississippi River took nearly three weeks to return to below flood level. Jo Daviess County was introduced to unlimited stakes riverboat gambling aboard the Silver Eagle Casino, docked at Frentress Lake, just west of Galena near East Dubuque. While not an official historic site, Council Hill Station dates back to the 1850s, … 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. 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. 1868-Grant ran for president. The river also occupies a substantial canyon. Visit the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, built as a thank … 1826-Lieutenant Thomas began to lie out streets and lots. 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. 1862-Because of Galena’s southern antecedents, divided loyalties sill existed. Indians defeated the militia at the battle of Stillman’s Run, which caused panic in the Lead District. Construction began on Grace Episcopal Church on Hill Street. Galena was the first mineral rush city in the United States back in the 1820's. It grew rapidly as the regional capital of lead mining, the largest riverboat port north of St Louis, and a prominent brewing … 1993-Kraft closed its Galena plant, consolidating production at the Stockton plant. 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. Galena River (Fever River) Origin of Galena River, Wisconsin A stream emptying into the Mississippi from the east, on which is the city of Galena, Illinois; now called the Galena River. 1987-The Alice T. Virtue Memorial Water Park opened, featuring two swimming pools, a waterslide, and sand volleyball court. Among the party was 15-year-old Daniel Smith Harris, destined to become the most prominent steamboat captain on the Upper Mississippi River. Grant went to work in his father’s leather goods store as a clerk for $600 per year. 1844-Jo Daviess County courthouse on Bench Street, begun in 1839, was completed. Felt estate. In fact, 85% of Galena’s buildings are in a National Register Historic District. 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. A census revealed 650 houses and 2,225 people in the city. Took good covid precautions. 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 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. A farmer’s market operated on the first floor and outside on the square until 1910. The Koyukon Athabascans had seasonal camps in the area and moved as the wild game migrated. St. Mary’s Catholic Church was constructed according to the plans of missionary Father Samuel Mazzuchelli. 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. Large numbers of miners began arriving, including settlers from Lord Selkirk’s failed colony on the Red River in Canada. 1911-A tornado caused severe damage to the roof of the Grant Home. 1931-U.S. Grant Home is deeded to the state by the City of Galena. An Episcopal Service was first held on the banks of the Fevre (now, Galena) River in 1826, the year Galena was incorporated as a town. 1968-Over 85 percent of Galena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Share. Council Hill Station. He visited Indian-operated lead mines on the Fever River (now the Galena River). French explorers visited the region in the late 17th century and found Sauk and Fox Indians mining lead. It is now the Tourist Information Center. The Galena River Trail is built upon an old railroad spur of the Burlington Railroad main line, constructed in 1886. 211 South Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036, © 2018 Galena History Museum | All Right Reserved. 1843-Manufacture of Galena pottery began at the D.A. Gaslights lined the streets and the Marine Hospital was completed along the Galena River. The Galena River was over 200 feet wide. It became the home of Ulysses S. Grant in 1865 and is now the Grant Home State Historic Site. James Jones begins publishing the first newspaper in the Region, the Miner’s Journal. 1965-Galena became the first community after Springfield to adopt a local historic preservation ordinance, which established a local historic district. Daniel Smith Harris’s Grey Eagle, the fastest steamboat on the Upper Mississippi River, sank at Rock Island, Illinois and the captain retired from the steamboat business but stayed active in the Galena business community. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel. A school was es… Jenna A wrote a review Nov 2020. Galena’s history began early in America’s quest to explore the West. 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. Galena's political history is among the most significant in the State of Illinois. 1893-During the nationwide economic depression, many Galena businesses failed. 1851-An Italianate-style firehouse was built on Bench Street. This left mapmakers in Wisconsin confused…to this day. 1860-Ulysses S. Grant and family arrived in Galena and rented the house at 121 South High Street. The Stockade was built in Galena and settlers flocked to town. The City Council chambers were located on the second floor until 1938. It is now Galena Green Condominiums. 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. Galena’s first Chamber of Commerce was organized. 1856-Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House. The Blackhawk War broke out. History Prehistory and early history. 1937-The worst flood in Galena’s history occurred. Miners and traders flocked to the Point. Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. 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 … 1857-Ely Parker, part Seneca Indian, was appointed superintendent of construction for the U.S. Customs House and Marine Hospital in Galena. Galena saw its first serious flood, with steamboats floating down Main Street. 1824-The U.S. Government appointed Lieutenant Martin Thomas as mine agent to issue leases and collect royalties for the Federal Leadmine District. Watershed History Note. Galena’s Democratic administration played a very small roll in the festivities. History Galena was originally founded as a mining town in 1879. 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! About 100 men came up the river from St. Louis to work the Fever River mines. It rises a few miles above the present city … 1865-Grant returned from the Civil War in triumph and was given a huge reception and home in Galena by prominent Republicans. In the summer many families floated on rafts to the Yukon River to fish for salmon. 1906-The high school building on Prospect Street was completed. The new development featured a 30,000 sq. Galena’s population reached an all-time high of roughly 14,000. 1994-Judith Gratton became the first woman County Board Chairman. It was reconstructed in the 1930s as part of a WPA project. Guest speakers included Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. The river is part of the Driftless Area of Illinois and Wisconsin. 1982-A new footbridge opened connecting Grant Park to downtown. Today it is the second oldest continuously owned and operated post office in the nation. 1992-January-The main lodge at Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort suffered a major loss due to fire. (The steeple was added in 1854.) Because of siltation, the river channel continued to decrease in size while intensity and frequency of floods increased. 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. 1908-The Galena Public Library on Bench Street was constructed, funded by the Carnegie Foundation and B.F. Also, Clingman’s Pharmacy, previously located on Main Street. Gear arrived in the Lead District and began mining near Council Hill. The Old No. The building is now an Illinois State Historic Site. 1995-Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau moved into the Old Waterworks Building at the corner of Park and Bouthillier Streets. The Winnebago War of 1827, also known as the "Fevre River War", is associated with this river. 1823-The Virginia becomes the first steamboat to ascend the upper Mississippi River. U.S. Geological Survey. Sackett and Co. kilns on Dewey Avenue. 1928-Hard surfacing with concrete of U.S. 20 completed through the city of Galena. 1690-Frenchman Nicholas Perrot established a trading post on the east side of the Mississippi River opposite the present site of Dubuque, Iowa. Spring thaw and heavy late spring rainfall caused the Galena River and Mississippi River to crest at the highest level ever. Toll bridges were built at Bouthillier and Franklin Streets. “Galena tours is a must have app for tourism and home town history. 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. 1818-John Tyler Armstrong built a cabin on the east bank of the Fever River, probably in the vicinity of the Illinois Central Railroad Depot (Information Center). 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. 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. Galena is a safe, healthy and vibrant place to raise a family, start a business or enjoy retirement. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and personalized the tour based on our history interest. 1973-Frank Einsweiler, strong preservation advocate was elected to the first of four terms as Mayor of Galena. Ulysses S. Grant trained volunteer troops. 1855-The five-story DeSoto House opened its doors for business and quickly claimed the reputation as being one of the finest. 1900-Vice president Theodore Roosevelt spoke at Turner Hall. Ordinances now prohibit buildings constructed of wood in the downtown area. The Galena River flowing through downtown. Trains on the spur stopped running around 1960. 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. Galena, Illinois By the middle of the 19th Century, Galena was one of the richest river towns in the Midwest. Map View. The Methodist Church was built on Bench Street. 1997-Elihu Washburne home renovation was completed and opened to the public. 1974-Amtrak began regularly scheduled rail passenger service to Chicago on the Black Hawk. 1852-Elihu B. Washburne, who was to become one of the most powerful men in the nation, was elected to his first term in U.S. Congress. He was instrumental in getting funding for a dike and floodgates on the Galena River. 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. Blackhawk and his people were defeated at the Battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin. 1816-Captain John Shaw of the U.S. Army reported Indians along the Fever River mining lead from the “Buck Lead” north of Galena. The Coatsworth at one time housed J.R. Grant’s leather shop where Ulysses worked. Work began as sprinklers, fire alarms, and a stage loft were added. 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. It is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Galena. 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. Alexander Ross was the first known white man to explore Galena, when … U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Galena River, "ACTS OF FIFTY–SEVENTH CONGRESS June 27, 1902. Five feet of water was recorded on Main Street. 1 Firehouse is believed to be the oldest firehouse of its type in Illinois. Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. Galena Temperance Society formed to “combat excessive drunkenness” in the town’s saloons and “groceries.” On the flip side, some old … 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. This stage of Turner Hall renovation was completed in June 1992. 1830-Galena’s first fire department established. 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. The service was discontinued in 1981 due to low ridership, poor management, and lack of funds. 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. Thirty-four local fire departments fought the blaze. 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 river rises in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, south of Benton and southwest of Shullsburg. GIFT SHOP ONLY - THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM. Construction began on Galena Square. 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". 1858-Business man Daniel Barrows built his house on Bench Street that today houses the Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Museum. Grant received election returns in the library of Elihu B. Washburne’s house, now a State Historic Site. 1978-Reconstruction on the Coatsworth Building was begun. 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. The Illinois Central Railroad arrived in Galena. Eventually, we thought it might be time to move on downriver. Most of it was shipped out of the region on Galena steamboats. John Dowling’s trading post was built about this time of native limestone. The narration is easy to understand and allows me to casually learn about and explore my home town.” 1690-Frenchman Nicholas Perrot established a trading post on the east side of the Mississippi River opposite the present site of Dubuque, Iowa. Galena, population 470, is located west of the Interior city of Fairbanks along the historic river. The worst Galena fire ever devastated many Main Street buildings. Galena’s history began early in America’s quest to explore the West. Although two floors were removed in 1880, the building still stands today as the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. A new mining boom began as Indian claims were extinguished. 1838-The First Presbyterian Church was constructed. His campaign headquarters were located at the DeSoto House. 1846-The Market House opened for business. 1891-The bronze statue of Grant and the Soldier’s Monument was installed in Grant Park. ft. Dick’s Supermarket. 1990-The City of Galena received a $684,800 grant for renovation of Turner Hall. 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. [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]. There was serious damage to main downtown buildings. The location was on the site of a former Athabaskan fish camp recorded in the 1880 Census map as Natulaten. 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. In Michigan the name was changed to Galien River by legislative action in 1829, and presumably the Indiana Galena River tributary has the same etymology. 1996-The Galena/Jo Daviess Chamber of Commerce began a major rehab of the Old Railroad Depot. Named after the local iron deposits, the city was founded in 1826 and was a major port on the Mississippi River. We came to Galena for the day, intended to stay for maybe a night, and thanks to new friends Captain John Bookless, Me Me, Crystal, Meagan, Edgar, Steve, and George, we stayed for four nights. 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