Galena Attractions

The little town of Galena at the extreme north-western tip of Illinois was originally a French outpost, a base for the exploration of the north-west. In the 19th c. lead mining in the surrounding area made it the wealthiest town in the state. Galena has largely preserved its 19th c. aspect, with many handsome antebellum houses bearing witness to its former prosperity. Particularly fine is the Old Market House, once occupied by General (later President) Ulysses S. Grant.