Galena is the largest city in Jo Daviess County in the north of the US state of Illinois and the county seat. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of 3,308 as of the 2020 census. The city is known as a tourist destination for its history and historic architecture. There are also golf and ski resorts. For several years, Galena was the home of Civil War General and future President Ulysses S. Grant, as well as other political and show business personalities.
Galena's rich past is best experienced through its preserved
residences and sites, which offer glimpses into Victorian-era life and
key figures like Grant.
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site:
This Italianate-style brick house was presented to Ulysses S. Grant and
his family in 1865 upon his return from the Civil War as a hero. Located
at 500 Bouthillier Street, it's now a state historic site managed by the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Tours, which last about 30-45
minutes, guide visitors through rooms filled with over 90% original
furnishings, including Grant's favorite chair, family portraits, and
Civil War memorabilia. Highlights include the parlor where Grant
received news of his presidential nomination in 1868 and the library
stocked with his personal books. The site also features exhibits on
Grant's life from his Galena days as a store clerk to his roles as
general and president. It's open year-round (hours vary seasonally),
with admission by donation, and provides context on how Galena shaped
one of America's leaders.
Belvedere Mansion: Built in 1857 by
wealthy merchant J. Russell Jones, this opulent Italianate villa at 1008
Park Avenue overlooks the Galena River and features 22 rooms packed with
antique furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and rare artifacts like the
green velvet draperies from "Gone with the Wind" and a collection of
Victorian-era oddities. Guided tours, running every 30 minutes, last
about 45 minutes and cover the mansion's history, including its time as
a private residence and later as a museum. Visitors can explore the
formal parlors, bedrooms, and library, learning about 19th-century high
society in Galena. The surrounding gardens, with fountains, statues, and
manicured lawns, are free to wander and offer a peaceful retreat. Open
seasonally from late May to October, with admission at $14 for adults
(kids under 12 free), it's air-conditioned and family-friendly, though
children must be accompanied.
Dowling House: As Galena's oldest
surviving building, constructed in 1826-27 from local limestone, this
structure at 220 Diagonal Street served as a trading post on the ground
floor while the Dowling family lived upstairs. John Dowling, an early
settler who became mayor in 1843, operated it during the town's
lead-mining peak. 30-minute tours (available May to November) delve into
frontier life, with exhibits on Native American trade, mining tools, and
period furnishings. It's a raw look at Galena's origins before the
Victorian boom, emphasizing the transition from a rough outpost to a
prosperous city.
The heart of Galena beats along its bustling streets, where history
meets modern leisure.
Historic Main Street: Stretching for about a
mile along the Galena River, this district boasts over 125 independently
owned shops, galleries, and eateries housed in restored 19th-century
brick buildings. It's one of the best-preserved Main Streets in the
Midwest, often ranked among the top in the U.S. for its charm. Visitors
can spend hours browsing antiques, handcrafted jewelry, local wines,
gourmet foods, and unique gifts at spots like The Galena Canning Company
or Vignettes. Dining options range from casual ice cream parlors to
upscale Italian at Fried Green Tomatoes. The street's steep incline adds
to the scenic appeal, with views of the river and hills. It's walkable
year-round, with events like holiday lights in winter or art walks in
summer enhancing the experience. Recognized as a "Best Main Street" by
Midwest Living Magazine, it's ideal for a self-paced exploration of
Galena's commercial heritage.
DeSoto House Hotel: Opened in 1855
as Illinois' oldest operating hotel, this Victorian gem at 230 S. Main
Street features 55 guest rooms with period decor, including four-poster
beds and antique replicas. Even non-guests can explore the grand lobby,
ballroom (once the largest west of Chicago), and on-site restaurants
like the Generals' Restaurant, named for the nine Civil War generals
from Galena. It hosted figures like Abraham Lincoln and hosted key
events during the town's heyday. Tours aren't formal, but wandering the
public areas gives a sense of mid-1800s luxury amid the mining boom.
Galena's hilly terrain and riverfront location provide ample
opportunities for nature lovers.
Horseshoe Mound Preserve: This
179-acre Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation property, about 5 miles east
of downtown, offers some of the region's most stunning panoramic views.
Hiking trails (easy to moderate, totaling about 3 miles) wind through
prairie, woods, and up to the 1,050-foot summit, where you can see
across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including the Mississippi River
valley. Unique features include a geologic "mound" formation from
ancient glacial activity, wildflowers in spring, and birdwatching spots.
It's free to visit year-round, with picnic areas and interpretive signs
on local ecology and mining history. Best at sunrise or sunset for
dramatic vistas.
Apple River Canyon State Park: Located about 20
minutes northeast near the Wisconsin border, this 297-acre park in the
Driftless Area features deep canyons carved by the Apple River,
limestone bluffs, and forested trails. Five miles of hiking paths range
from riverside strolls to steeper climbs, with opportunities for fishing
(trout-stocked waters), picnicking, and wildlife spotting like deer or
eagles. The park highlights the region's unglaciated topography, with
unique rock formations and spring wildflowers. It's open daily, free
entry, and ideal for a half-day escape into nature, especially in fall
for foliage.
Grant Park: Across the river from downtown at 625 Park
Avenue, this 5-acre green space dates to 1885 and offers a relaxed
historic oasis. Key features include a gazebo (reservable for events), a
Civil War cannon, fountains, and statues honoring Grant. Paths meander
through gardens and along the riverbank, with benches for viewing the
town skyline. It's a spot for picnics, summer concerts, or simply
unwinding, with ties to Galena's post-Civil War era.
For more active pursuits, Galena offers seasonal thrills and unique
experiences.
Chestnut Mountain Resort: Perched on a wooded ridge
overlooking the Mississippi at 8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Road (about 10
miles south), this year-round resort spans 220 acres. In winter
(typically December to March), it transforms into a ski haven with 19
runs (longest at 3,500 feet), a vertical drop of 475 feet, nine lifts,
and a terrain park for snowboarders. Lessons, rentals, and kid programs
like Powder Pups are available. Summer shifts to adventure with an
alpine slide (2,050-foot track), ziplines, Segway tours, disc golf, and
Mississippi River cruises. Amenities include lodging, dining, and an
indoor pool. It's family-oriented, with views that make every activity
scenic.
Hoof It Goat Treks: A quirky outdoor activity on a family
farm near Galena, where participants hike 1-2 miles through prairies,
forests, and hills accompanied by friendly goats. Founded by Christine
Eisbach, treks last 1-2 hours and often include a wine tasting or
picnic. The goats, which naturally follow and interact, add fun and
stress-relief—perfect for families or groups. Available seasonally
(spring to fall), with bookings required; it's a unique way to connect
with nature and local agriculture.
Guided options help unpack Galena's layers.
Galena Trolley Tours:
Operating from downtown, these narrated tours use open-air or enclosed
trolleys to cover 1-2 hours of the town's highlights. Routes include the
historic district, Grant's home, mansions like Belvedere, and scenic
overlooks, with commentary on architecture, mining history, and famous
residents. Specialty tours focus on ghosts or holidays. It's an
efficient intro for first-timers, running daily in season with tickets
around $20-25.
Ghost Tours (e.g., Spirits & Spirits or All About a
Ghost Tour): Galena's haunted reputation stems from its old buildings
and mining past. Evening walking tours (1-2 hours) visit sites like the
DeSoto Hotel or Main Street spots, sharing tales of apparitions,
murders, and unexplained events backed by historical research. Some
include pub stops for "spirits." Popular in fall, they're entertaining
for history buffs or thrill-seekers, with user reviews praising the
storytelling.
Galena's countryside hosts producers emphasizing local flavors.
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery: Family-owned since 1976, this winery
has three locations: a downtown tasting room, a farmstead, and the main
vineyard 7 miles east. Visitors can tour the 20-acre vineyard, learn
about winemaking (focusing on cold-climate grapes like Frontenac), and
sample award-winning reds, whites, and fruit wines in tastings ($10-15).
Experiences include picnics, live music weekends, and overnight stays in
vineyard suites. It's scenic, with rolling hills and events like harvest
festivals, blending education with relaxation.
Blaum Bros. Distilling
Co.: Founded in 2013 by brothers Matt and Mike Blaum, this craft
distillery at 9380 US Hwy 20 W produces small-batch spirits like vodka,
gin, bourbon, and flavored whiskeys using local grains. 45-minute tours
($10, including tasting) showcase the stills, barrel aging, and
production process, emphasizing hands-on craftsmanship. The on-site bar
offers cocktails in a cozy, industrial-chic space. It's family-run with
a fun vibe—user reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and smooth
spirits.
These sights capture Galena's essence, but the town also
offers seasonal events like the Great Galena Balloon Race in summer or
snowshoeing at Casper Bluff in winter. Plan around your
interests—history lovers might prioritize homes and tours, while outdoor
enthusiasts head to the parks and resort.
By Car (Recommended for Flexibility)
Driving is the most
straightforward and scenic option, especially along U.S. Route 20, which
offers rolling hills and rural views. The trip from Chicago typically
takes 2.5–3 hours (164 miles) under normal conditions.
From
Chicago: Head west on I-90 to Rockford (about 90 miles), then continue
west on U.S. 20 directly into Galena. Expect tolls on I-90 (around $5–10
with an I-Pass or E-ZPass). Fuel costs are roughly $29–$45 for a
standard vehicle.
From the south (e.g., Quad Cities or Springfield):
Take IL-84 north (the Great River Road) until it meets U.S. 20 near
Hanover, then head west into Galena.
From the west (e.g., Dubuque,
Iowa): Cross the Mississippi River via U.S. 20 east (about 20 miles).
Tips: U.S. 20 narrows to two lanes after Rockford, so allow extra time
for slower traffic. Scenic stops include the overlook near Elizabeth or
the F-4 Phantom jet display in Lena. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze
for real-time traffic. Parking in Galena is plentiful downtown, with
free lots and street options.
By Bus (Budget-Friendly Public
Option)
Buses are available but limited, with no high-frequency
service. This is a good choice if you prefer not to drive.
From
Chicago: Burlington Trailways operates one daily direct bus, taking
about 4 hours and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at $50. Departs from
Chicago Bus Station (near Union Station) and arrives in Galena.
Alternative routes via Davenport, IA, and Dubuque, IA, take 5–6 hours
and cost $110–$210 (e.g., Greyhound to Davenport, then transfer).
From other areas: Limited connections; check Greyhound or FlixBus for
routes from Madison, WI (about 2.5 hours to Galena) or Dubuque (short
local options).
Tips: Book in advance via Wanderu or the carrier's
site. Buses may not run daily, and Galena's stop is central but lacks
extensive local transit—consider a taxi or rideshare for the last mile
if needed.
By Plane (Quickest for Long-Distance Travelers)
Flying is efficient if you're coming from farther away, but Galena
doesn't have a major commercial airport. You'll need ground transport
for the final leg.
Nearest airport: Dubuque Regional Airport
(DBQ), 20 miles west in Iowa. From Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Key Lime Air
offers one daily direct flight (about 1 hour), with total door-to-door
time around 3–4 hours including a taxi or rental car to Galena (taxi
~$50–$70). Flight costs: $180–$300 round-trip.
Alternatives: Fly into
Chicago O'Hare or Midway, then drive or bus (adds 3+ hours). For
international or distant origins, connect through ORD.
Tips: Rent a
car at DBQ for flexibility, as public transport from the airport to
Galena is sparse. Check American Airlines or United for connections to
DBQ.
By Train (Limited and Indirect)
Amtrak doesn't serve
Galena directly, so this involves transfers and is less efficient than
other options.
From Chicago: Take Amtrak from Union Station to a
nearby stop like Madison, WI (via the Hiawatha or Empire Builder lines,
3–4 hours, $30–$60), then transfer to a bus for the remaining 2–3 hours
to Galena. Total time: 6–8 hours.
From other areas: Amtrak to Chicago
first, then switch modes.
Tips: Not ideal unless you enjoy rail
travel; driving or bus is faster. Book via Amtrak's site.
Early History and Native American Presence
Galena, Illinois,
located in Jo Daviess County in the northwestern part of the state, has
a rich history rooted in its abundant lead deposits. For over a thousand
years before European arrival, Native American tribes such as the
Meskwaki (Fox), Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), Sauk, and Menominee mined galena
(lead sulfide ore) in the region. They used the mineral for ceremonial
purposes, including burial rituals during the Middle Woodland period
(around 1–400 CE), as part of trade networks in the Havana Hopewell
culture, and as body paint in the Mississippian era (900–1500 CE). The
area, part of the Upper Mississippi Valley, was inhabited primarily by
the Sauk and Meskwaki when Europeans first made contact. French
explorers noted lead deposits as early as 1658, likely through
interactions with the Sioux, and a 1703 French map labeled northwestern
Illinois as "mines de plumb." Conflicts with the Sioux limited
large-scale French mining until Julien Dubuque established mines across
the Mississippi River in Iowa in 1788. Indigenous peoples traded galena
with French traders starting in 1692, and Dubuque operated his mines
until 1810.
European Exploration and Settlement
French trading
posts appeared in the late 1600s, but significant European settlement
began after the United States acquired the territory via the Louisiana
Purchase in 1803. The French initially called the area "La Pointe,"
which American settlers adapted to "The Point." The Galena River,
originally known as "Fever River" due to the wild beans along its banks,
played a key role in early trade. In 1816, George Davenport shipped the
first boatload of lead ore down the Mississippi from Galena. Jesse W.
Shull built a trading post in 1819, and the Thomas H. January family
arrived in 1821, marking the first permanent American settlers. By 1823,
colonists led by Dr. Moses Meeker and James Harris established a larger
presence. The U.S. Department of War took control of the mines in 1822,
leasing lands to operators, with the first official lease granted to
James Johnson that year. Martin Thomas surveyed the mines in 1826, and
the town was officially named "Galena" (Latin for lead ore) at a meeting
that year, rejecting alternatives like Jackson and Harrison. Platting
began in 1827, and the town was incorporated in 1835, with its first
mayor, Charles S. Hempstead, elected in 1841. Tensions with Native
Americans arose as settlers encroached on lands, leading to the brief
Winnebago War in 1827 and the Black Hawk War in 1832, after which the
U.S. annexed more territory through the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien.
The population surged from a few hundred in the early 1820s to an
estimated 10,000 by 1828, rivaling Chicago.
Mining Boom and
Economic Peak
The lead mining industry drove Galena's rapid growth,
making it the site of the first major mineral rush in the U.S. From 1825
to 1828, 21 million pounds of lead were mined, and by 1845, Galena
shipped a record 54,494,850 pounds, producing nearly 27,000 tons
annually and accounting for 80% of U.S. lead output. Jo Daviess County
led national production, peaking at 87% of American lead in 1852 and 10%
globally. The Upper Mississippi Lead Mine District, established by
Congress in the early 1800s, facilitated this boom, with the government
easing out leasing by 1836–1837 and selling lands by 1839. A geologic
survey by David Dale Owen in 1839 identified the Ordovician Galena
limestone as the primary ore source. The town's population hit 14,000 at
its mid-19th-century peak, supported by infrastructure like the Galena
Gazette (established 1834), the Chamber of Commerce (1838), churches,
banks, and the DeSoto House Hotel.
Steamboat Era and
Transportation Hub
Galena became the largest steamboat hub on the
Mississippi north of St. Louis, with trade starting in 1824. By the
1850s, it was the busiest port between St. Paul and St. Louis, with up
to 15 steamboats docking daily on Water Street to transport lead ore.
The Galena River, now silted and inaccessible to large vessels due to
erosion, was crucial then. Railroads arrived in the 1850s: the Galena
and Chicago Union Railroad reached Freeport in 1853, and the Illinois
Central extended to Galena in 1854, later to Dubuque and beyond. This
connectivity boosted trade but foreshadowed the decline of river
transport.
Civil War Era and Notable Figures
Galena gained
national prominence during the Civil War as home to nine Union generals,
earning its flag's design reflecting this legacy. Most famous was
Ulysses S. Grant, who moved to Galena in 1860 with his family to work in
his father's leather goods store. A Mexican-American War veteran, Grant
trained local volunteers in 1861 and, with support from Congressman
Elihu B. Washburne, was promoted to brigadier general by Abraham
Lincoln. His successes at battles like Missionary Ridge led to command
of all Union armies in 1864. Other generals included Augustus Louis
Chetlain, John E. Smith, Ely S. Parker (the only Native American Union
general, who drafted Lee's surrender terms), John Aaron Rawlins (Grant's
Secretary of War), and more. Grant returned triumphantly in 1865,
receiving a furnished Italianate mansion from citizens (now the Ulysses
S. Grant Home State Historic Site). He based his 1868 presidential
campaign partly in Galena, awaiting results at Washburne's home, and
served two terms as the 18th U.S. President. Figures like Abraham
Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke from the DeSoto House balcony.
Grant visited annually until his death in 1885, and sites like his
modest rented home and the leather store remain preserved.
Decline and Economic Shifts
Post-Civil War, demand for lead plummeted
with the rise of steel, and the California Gold Rush drew miners away.
Steamboats gave way to railroads, and river silting isolated Galena.
Population dropped from 14,000 in the mid-1800s to around 3,396 by the
early 21st century, with censuses showing steady declines: 8,196 in 1860
to 7,019 in 1870, down to 3,308 by 2020. By the 1950s, the town was
economically decayed, with a rundown downtown of taverns and boarded-up
buildings. Until the late 1980s, it remained a small farming community
with limited industry, like a Kraft cheese plant and foundries.
Competition closed local businesses, relocating them or shutting them
down.
Modern Revival and Tourism
In the 1970s, Mayor Frank
Einsweiler launched a tourism initiative, highlighting Galena's historic
architecture amid suburban threats. Chicago artists revitalized Main
Street's Federal-style storefronts into galleries. Today, over 1,000
buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, with 85% of
the town in the 581-acre Galena Historic District, featuring Victorian
styles like Italianate, Greek Revival, and Federal. Known as the
"outdoor museum of the Victorian Midwest" or "the town that time
forgot," it attracts over a million visitors yearly for its preserved
hills, architecture, wineries in the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA,
shops, breweries, and events like the annual Halloween Parade (drawing
15,000 in 2010) and Country Fair. Initiatives like Vision2020 in 2010
fostered community growth, and TripAdvisor named it a top "Charming
Small Town" in 2011. The Galena Historical Society preserves artifacts,
including a 1830s mine shaft exhibit and Grant memorabilia.
Galena, Illinois, is located in the northwestern corner of the state, serving as the county seat of Jo Daviess County. It sits at coordinates 42°25′19″N 90°25′45″W, with an average elevation of around 709 feet (216 m) above sea level, though some sources note an average of 755 feet in topographic maps. The city is part of the Driftless Zone (also known as the Driftless Area), a unique region in the Upper Midwest that escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age. This has resulted in a preserved landscape featuring dramatic hills, deep valleys, steep bluffs, and exposed rock formations, contrasting with the flatter, glaciated terrain typical of much of Illinois. Galena's total area is approximately 4.51 square miles (11.68 km²), with 4.50 square miles (11.65 km²) being land and only a negligible 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) of water, accounting for about 0.18% of the area. The surrounding region, including nearby areas like The Galena Territory, extends to larger expanses with similar hilly characteristics, covering up to 11.36 square miles in some adjacent developments.
The topography of Galena is distinctly rugged and hilly, a direct legacy of its position in the unglaciated Driftless Zone. Unlike the broad, level prairies that dominate central and southern Illinois, Galena's terrain is marked by rolling hills, narrow ridges, and steep slopes carved by erosion over millennia. The landscape includes prominent bluffs along the Mississippi River valley, with exposed bedrock from ancient geological formations, such as those of the Galena Group (a stratigraphic unit named after the area's exposures in the bluffs near the city). Elevations vary significantly; the city itself is at about 709 feet, but nearby features like Horseshoe Mound rise to 1,063 feet (324 m) just outside the city limits along U.S. Route 20, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and making it one of the most iconic and photographed spots in the region. This hilly terrain has historically influenced the area's development, from early lead mining operations that exploited the exposed mineral-rich rocks to modern tourism focused on the scenic beauty. The geology features abundant abandoned wells and exploratory mining drill holes, which contribute to unique groundwater interactions and potential environmental considerations in the watershed.
The Galena River, a key tributary of the Mississippi River, flows directly through the heart of the city, shaping much of its geography and history. In the 19th century, the river supported Galena as the largest steamboat hub on the Mississippi north of St. Louis, with boats navigating up to the city's streets during high water. However, ongoing erosion and sedimentation have rendered the river inaccessible to large vessels today. The river's course through the hilly terrain creates a dynamic floodplain, prone to frequent flooding due to the region's topography and precipitation patterns. Notable flood events include 1828 (when steamboats floated on city streets), 1937 (up to five feet of water on Main Street), 1993 (nearly eight feet contained by floodgates), 2010 (damages of $7–8 million from heavy rains), and 2011 (over $16 million in damages from record river heights). To combat this, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a dike system, and floodgates connected to levees were installed in 1951. The Galena River watershed also features natural connectivity between surface and groundwater, enhanced by the area's karst-like features from historical mining. USGS monitoring sites along the river provide ongoing data on flow and quality, highlighting its role in the broader Mississippi River ecosystem.
Galena experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), characterized by four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Average annual precipitation is about 36 inches (914 mm), with the wettest months in summer, peaking at around 6.02 inches (153 mm) in June. Winters are dry, with January averaging just 1.23 inches (31 mm). Temperatures range widely: record highs reach 102°F (39°C), while lows can plummet to -35°F (-37°C). Monthly averages show January as the coldest, with mean highs of 26.9°F (-2.8°C) and lows of 10.0°F (-12.2°C), and July as the warmest, with highs of 82.0°F (27.8°C) and lows of 61.7°F (16.5°C). Snowfall averages 24.8 days per year, mostly from November to March, with January seeing the most at 7.2 snowy days. The city's location in the Driftless Zone influences local microclimates, where hills and valleys can create variations in temperature and wind patterns, and the proximity to the Mississippi River moderates extremes to some extent.
Beyond its core terrain, Galena boasts several standout natural features that draw visitors and define its geography. The bluffs and mounds, such as Horseshoe Mound, offer hiking and scenic overlooks, with views extending into Iowa and Wisconsin on clear days. The area's geology, rich in lead (galena mineral) deposits, has left a legacy of mines and quarries, some now reclaimed as parks or historical sites. Environmental concerns include watershed management, with efforts to address pollution from historical mining and flooding risks. Topographic maps of the region highlight contour lines showing the steep gradients, making it a favorite for outdoor activities like biking along the Great River Road or exploring state parks nearby. Overall, Galena's geography blends natural beauty with historical significance, creating a landscape that's both resilient and vulnerable to changes like climate variability and erosion.
Tourism
Galena is a busy tourist destination with more than 1
million visitors a year. The city is particularly appreciated by the
residents of Chicago. Many of them now have a second home in the Galena
area.
Cityscape
85% of Galena's structure is located in the
Galena Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and contributes greatly to Galena's popularity. The Old
Market House (built 1845) is a museum of the history of the area. Main
Street in downtown Galena has a number of specialty shops and
restaurants. Named after the Archangel Michael, Saint Michael's Church
was founded by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, an early American immigrant
priest. The oldest hotel still in operation today, the Desoto House
Hotel opened in 1855.
A total of seven Galena structures and
sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as
of September 21, 2018.
Personalities of the American Civil War
The later President of the
USA, Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), lived in Galena for a number of
years. When he worked in his father's leather goods store in 1860/1861,
he lived in a rented house. After the Union victory in the Civil War,
Grant returned to Galena on August 18, 1865 and was hailed as a hero
there. He was given a fully furnished house, which is still one of the
sights of Galena today as the Ulysses S. Grant Home. He lived there
until his election as President in 1869 and visited regularly until
1880.
Elihu Benjamin Washburne (1816–1887) was Secretary of State
under Grant and a staunch abolitionist. He worked as a lawyer in Galena.
His house is one of the attractions of Galena and is included in the
list of historic sites.
In addition to Grant, eight other Civil
War generals lived in the city:
Augustus Louis Chetlain, the first
Illinois man to enlist in the Union Army
John Oliver Duer
Jasper
Adalmorn Maltby
Ely Samuel Parker
John Aaron Rawlins (1831–1869),
Secretary of War under President Grant
William Rueben Rowley
John
CorsonSmith
John Eugene Smith
More personalities
Richard H.
Cain (1825–1887), barber at Galena; 1853 Vice-President of the Colored
Convention, sharing the position with Frederick Douglass.
John H.
Gear (1825–1900), politician, lived in Galena from 1836 to 1838. In 1863
he was mayor of Burlington, Iowa; 1878–1881 Governor of Iowa; 1887-1891
and 1893-1895 MP for Iowa; 1895-1900 he was Senator from Iowa.
James
D. Lynch (1839–1872), pastor of the Galena African Methodist Episcopal
Church; first black Secretary of State in Mississippi
Don McNeill
(1907–1996)
Herman Melville (1819–1891), novelist, poet and essayist
William A. Richards (1849–1912), politician, was Governor of Wyoming
from 1895 to 1899.
Jack Willis (born 1920), jazz musician
Frederick Schwatka (1849–1892), United States Army lieutenant, explorer
LaMetta Wynn (b. 1933), the first African American woman to preside over
a commune in Iowa. She was mayor of Clinton, Iowa, from 1995 to 2007.
She graduated from Galena.
Isabel Fargo Cole (born 1973), writer and
translator, born in Galena
At the 2000 census, Galena had 3460 inhabitants in 1570 households
and 893 families. The population density was 926.4 inhabitants per
square kilometer. There were 1821 buildings, which corresponded to an
average building density of 188 per square kilometer.
The
population in 2000 was 97.54% White, 0.32% African American, 0.32%
Asian, 0.09% Native American, 1.16% other. 0.58% stated that they
descended from at least two of these groups. 5.06% of the population
consisted of Hispanics belonging to various of the above groups.
18.7% were under 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from
45 to 64 and 22.3% 65 and older. The average age was 44 years.
Statistically, there were 94.9 men for every 100 women and 88.5 for
those over 18 years of age.
Median income was $36,106, median
family income was $44,063. The average income for men was $32,172 and
for women $19,670. Per capita income was $19,773. Around 4.3% of
families and 9.9% of the total population had an income below the
poverty line.