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62-615: Stagecoach Trail connects Galena and Lena through the communities of Scales Mound , Apple River , Warren and Nora . Stagecoach Trail runs through the third highest point in Illinois, Waddams Hill. It also runs close to the highest point in Illinois, Charles Mound , and the Illinois- Wisconsin border. The route can be used as an alternative for U.S. Route 20 between Lena and Galena, through picturesque communities and landscapes. Stagecoach rides are offered at several points along

124-545: A Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War . The house is currently operated by the Colonel Davenport Historical Foundation as a civil war and house museum. It had fallen into severe disrepair by the late 1800s, and the wings of the house were razed. The remainder of the house was preserved, and by the 1980s, efforts had begun to fully reconstruct the demolished parts of

186-454: A destination. It is a craft show that attracts thousands of visitors to the area. 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 neighbor Dubuque, 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

248-464: A dike to prevent city flooding. Galena's Congressman , Leo E. Allen , helped acquire funding for city floodgates which were added in 1951 to connect to the river levee system. Significant recorded floods include: As of the census of 2020 , the population was 3,308. The population density was 736.4 inhabitants per square mile (284.3/km ). There were 2,008 housing units at an average density of 447 per square mile (172.6/km ). The racial makeup of

310-460: A household in the city was $ 45,409, and the median income for a family was $ 53,438. Males had a median income of $ 31,809 versus $ 30,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 24,117. About 5.9% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 7% of those age 65 or over. Galena is the home to the Galena Art Center and

372-491: A large number of specialty shops, restaurants, a brewery, and multiple wineries . Galena's Saint Michael's Church was founded by the pioneer priest Father Samuel Mazzuchelli . The church is named after one of the three Archangels . Opened in 1855, the downtown DeSoto House Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. Rooms 209 and 211 of the hotel were used as Ulysses S. Grant's campaign headquarters during his presidential campaign. Future president Abraham Lincoln gave

434-564: A lower part of Rock Island near the old fort. Two years later, he and six others (including close friend Antoine LeClaire ), purchased a large tract of land along the Mississippi River opposite the island. On this site, the town of Davenport, Iowa , was officially founded on February 23, 1836. In 1838, he succeeded U.S. Indian agent Joseph M. Street as a representative of the Sauk and Fox until 1840. In 1842, he and several others negotiated

496-536: A population of 3,308 at the 2020 census . A 581-acre (235 ha) section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District . The city is named for the mineral galena , which was in the ore that formed the basis for the region's early lead mining economy. Native Americans , primarily Meskwaki , Ho-Chunk , Sauk , and Menominee had mined galena in

558-640: 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, Senator Stephen Douglas spoke from the same balcony. Other famous guests include Theodore Roosevelt , Mark Twain , Susan B. Anthony , Ralph Waldo Emerson , Horace Greeley , Frances Willard , Elizabeth Cady Stanton , Robert E. Lee , Chief Black Hawk , Millard Fillmore , and Zachary Taylor . General Winfield Scott Hancock stayed in Room 223 for an extended period of time. There are also several resorts and golf courses in

620-617: A treaty on behalf of Governor John Chambers between the Iowa territorial government and the Sauk and Fox for the sale of their lands in Iowa. Davenport departed the American Fur Company following the signing of the treaty and retired to private life on his Rock Island estate. He often travelled to St. Louis, Missouri , sailing on his keel boat , and resided there or in Washington City during

682-425: A widow 14 years his elder, in 1814, and they remained married until his death. However, all of Davenport's children were born out of wedlock which has long been somewhat of an open secret. The mothers of his children are sometimes simply not listed when they are discussed. However, the mothers of his three known children are documented and are the source of controversy. Susan Lewis, Davenport's 16 year old step-daughter,

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744-571: Is home to Galena High School . Galena was the home to nine Civil War generals. Foremost among these is Ulysses S. Grant, who first came to Galena with his wife Julia and children in 1860 to work in the family tannery and leather-good shop. A veteran of the Mexican–American War , Grant was called upon to train a regiment of volunteers raised in Galena when the Civil War broke out in 1861. Through

806-566: Is now inaccessible to steamboats. The first railroad built in Chicago, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad , was intended to join the two cities but construction ended in 1853 at Freeport . Trackage between Freeport and Galena was completed by the Illinois Central Railroad in 1854, and later extended west to Dubuque , Sioux City , and Council Bluffs . Galena received national attention in

868-475: Is one of many tributaries of the Mississippi River . According to the 2010 census, Galena has a total area of 4.167 square miles (10.79 km ), of which 4.16 square miles (10.77 km ) (or 99.83%) is land and 0.007 square miles (0.02 km ) (or 0.17%) is water. Galena is located in the Driftless Zone , an area that was not covered by glaciers during the recent ice ages. This area, which includes

930-592: Is uncertain; very little has been identified in burial mounds. During the Mississippian period (900–1500 CE), galena saw use as body paint . In 1658 French explorers, probably via contact with the Sioux , first noted lead deposits in the Upper Mississippi Valley . A 1703 French map identified the northwestern Illinois area as mines de plumb . Northwestern Illinois was inhabited by the Sauk and Meskwaki when

992-707: The 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment , was also brevetted a major general. Ely S. Parker drafted the Appomattox surrender terms of the Confederacy and was the only Native American general of the Union. President Grant appointed him Commissioner 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's Secretary of War . Brevetted brigadier general John C. Smith later served as Illinois Treasurer , Lieutenant Governor , and Grand Master of

1054-627: The Carlisle Barracks . Davenport remained in the army for ten years, participating in the War of 1812 under General James Wilkinson . At the end of the Peoria War , in late December 1813, he escorted the Pottawatomie peace delegation to St. Louis where the peace treaty was signed. Chieftains in the delegation included Black Partridge , Senachwine , Comas , Shick Shack , Crow , and Gomo . In

1116-635: The Iowa Territory , he was one of the earliest settlers in Rock Island . He spent much of his life involved in the early settlement of the Mississippi Valley and the " Quad Cities ". The present-day city of Davenport, Iowa is named after him. George Davenport was born in 1783 in Lincolnshire, England , becoming an apprentice to his uncle, a merchant captain, and going to sea at an early age. During

1178-467: The " Banditti of the Prairie ". Detective and bounty hunter Edward Bonney volunteered to infiltrate the gang and was able to arrest eight men, including Robert H. Birch . Although one man escaped and another disappeared, the others stood trial and were convicted of murder. Two received prison sentences while another three, Granville Young and brothers John and Aaron Long, were later arrested and executed for

1240-438: The 1860s as the home of Ulysses 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. Galena's official flag was adopted in 1976 to symbolize mining , agriculture , steamboats , and the nine American Civil War generals who lived in

1302-676: The French arrived. In the 1690s, French trappers discovered the area and began mining the lead. However, conflicts with the Sioux prevented large-scale mining until Julien Dubuque's Mines opened across the river in 1788. The French named the settlement as La Pointe , and early American settlers adopted this name as "The Point" after the United States acquired the territory in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Early documentation officially records

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1364-642: 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 the E.B. Washburn Home . The Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society also owns a number of historical sites including

1426-556: 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. Galena is also popular with Chicagoans, many of whom keep second homes in

1488-555: The Galena area. In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, Galena Main Street was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places by the American 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. John O. Hancock opened the first school in September 1826. The Galena Academy followed in 1832. Galena

1550-575: The New York hospital on his doctor's advice, decided to settle in the United States of America, moving to Rahway, New Jersey for a time, before enlisting in the United States Army at Carlisle, Pennsylvania , in 1806. Accepting an appointment as sergeant , he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Regiment and assisted in recruiting for the army in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as well as training recruits at

1612-405: 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. The Ordovician Galena limestone contained most of the galena ore, and peak productivity occurred between 1840 and 1850. By 1845 Galena was producing nearly 27,000 tons of lead ore annually, and Jo Daviess County was producing 80 percent of

1674-458: 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

1736-467: The area for more than a thousand years before European Americans settled in the area. 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 largest steamboat hub on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis . Galena was the home of Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Civil War generals. Today,

1798-425: The area. Galena is largely popular as a result of its historic walkable urbanism, a rarity among American cities. 85 percent of the structures in Galena are within the Galena Historic District , which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and greatly contributes to the city's popularity. The Old Market House State Historic Site , built in 1845, is a museum of local social history . Main Street

1860-453: 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. 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,

1922-567: The citizens gave him an Italianate two-story brick house, today recognized as the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site. He was selected as the candidate of the Republican Party for the 1868 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 later brevetted to major general. Jeweler John E. Smith , who raised

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1984-520: The city is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, and resorts. The city is named for galena , the natural form of lead sulfide (PbS) and the most important lead ore . Native Americans mined the ore for use in burial rituals. The Havana Hopewell first traded galena in the area during the Middle Woodland period (c. 1–400 CE). However, the use of galena in the Havana territory

2046-531: The city was 87.5% White , 0.8% Black or African American , 0.6% Asian , 0.5% Native American , 4.4% from other races , and 6.2% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 10.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the census of 2010, there were 3,429 people, 1,632 households, and 896 families residing in the city. The population density was 819.4 inhabitants per square mile (316.4/km ). There were 1,960 housing units at an average density of 470.0 per square mile (181.5/km ). The racial makeup of

2108-536: The city was 93.6% White , 0.5% African American , 0.7% Native American , 0.6% Asian , 3.7% from other races , and 1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 8.3% of the population. There were 1,632 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.1% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who

2170-529: The city. It stands at 1,063 feet (324 m) above sea level. Galena has a humid continental climate ( Köppen climate classification : Dfa), with cold winters and hot summers. Annual precipitation is about 36 inches, with a distinct peak in summer. 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

2232-429: The city. Until the late 1980s, Galena was a small rural farming community. In 1990, local industries included a Kraft Foods cheese plant, Lemfco Foundry, John Westwick's foundry, and Microswitch, Inc. In the 1980s, Galena Mayor Frank Einsweiler initiated a tourist campaign. Since that time Galena's business district has emphasized its historic assets in the face of suburban development. Such long-standing businesses in

2294-497: The crime. In October 1845, shortly before their execution, Young and the Long brothers were photographed by daguerreotypists Thomas Martin Easterly and Frederick F. Webb. One of the earliest buildings to be built on Rock Island, Davenport's home still exists and remains one of the oldest residential landmarks in northern Illinois. The house was later used as the temporary headquarters of

2356-675: The downtown area, including Stair's Grocery, Sullivan's Grocery, Clingman's Pharmacy, the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Illinois, and Hartig 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. The Country Fair in Grant Park has been an attraction that has helped increase tourist traffic to Galena as

2418-419: The far northwestern corner of Illinois, escaped glaciation, while almost the entire state was glaciated, nearly to its southern tip. Because it escaped glaciation, this area is known for its hills, valleys, bluffs and considerable exposed rock. 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

2480-623: The first permanent American settlers. The next year, the US Department of War assumed control of the mines and leased the lands out to operators. A large group of colonists led by Dr. Moses Meeker and James Harris arrived in 1823. Steamboat trade began in 1824. The first official lease of the mines on behalf of the US government was dated September 30, 1822 and made to James Johnson , brother of US Senator Richard Mentor Johnson . Martin Thomas, appointed by

2542-439: 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. The 15th Illinois General Assembly (1836–37) codified the trustee election process. A steamboat was selected as the town seal on May 22, 1837. A state law governing local jurisdictions resulted in the town holding its first elections for mayor and aldermen on May 24, 1841, to replace

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2604-447: The government in 1824 to oversee mine leases, was commissioned to survey the mines in 1826. 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

2666-536: The growth of the city led settlers to encroach on native land claims, as they sought new veins of lead. Following a murder of a pioneer family near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin , by the Winnebago, Galena closed its mines for safety and European-American residents prepared for war. They constructed forts at nearby Elizabeth and Apple River ; although these were not used during the conflict, the forts provided residents with security and protection. The ensuing Winnebago War

2728-564: The lead in the United States. In 1852, the region produced 87 percent of the American output, and 10 percent of the world's, with pollutants from Galena's industry found as far away as Lake Matoaka in Tidewater Virginia . Once one of the most important cities in the state, Galena was a hub on the Mississippi River between St. Louis and St. Paul . Due to erosion, the Galena River

2790-520: The name as "Fever River" for the wild beans that grew there, an early name for the Galena River . This name did not appear to be widely used. George Davenport , a retired colonel in the United States Army , successfully shipped Galena's first boatload of lead ore in 1816 down the Mississippi River. Three years later, Jesse W. Shull built a trading post . The Thomas H. January family, who arrived in 1821 from Maysville, Kentucky , are considered

2852-475: The nature of the assault, as one version claims he was shot by the burglars while another states the elderly Bowman was severely beaten when his assailants found there was far less money in the safe than they had first believed. Davenport was still alive when the men finally left his home and was able to describe them to authorities before he died. The suspects were traced to a loosely organized Middle West ruffian gang, operating out of northern Illinois, known as

2914-409: The next decade: five major concepts have been supported. 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". Galena is located at 42°25′5″N 90°25′53″W  /  42.41806°N 90.43139°W  / 42.41806; -90.43139 (42.418171, −90.431472) along the Galena River , which

2976-567: The next several years, he visited ports in the Baltic as well as in France , Spain , and Portugal . In the fall of 1803, shortly after arriving with a cargo from Liverpool , Davenport was arrested with the rest of his crew while in port at St. Petersburg when the Czarist Russian government acceded to Napoleon 's embargo on British vessels (the " Continental System "). Davenport was imprisoned until

3038-467: The spring of 1816, after being discharged from the army, George Davenport accompanied Colonel Lawrence, as an army supplier, for an expedition to Rock Island , where Fort Armstrong was established. After he was discharged, Davenport became a successful merchant and traded with the local tribes in the Illinois and Iowa territories for several years. Soon after his arrival, he built a double log cabin. This

3100-410: The spring when he was released and allowed to return to his home country. Davenport arrived in New York the following summer. While in port, he suffered a severe leg injury during the rescue of a fellow sailor who had fallen overboard. As the merchant ship was without a ship's surgeon, he was forced to stay in a hospital, while his ship returned to Liverpool. Davenport married Margaret Bowling Lewis,

3162-678: The state Masonic order . Gunsmith Jasper A. Maltby was promoted to brigadier general at the Siege of Vicksburg . John Duerr was brevetted in 1865, and later was a successful merchant in Monticello, Iowa . William R. Rowley was brevetted in 1865, and later became a county judge. George Davenport Colonel George Davenport , born George William King (1783 – July 4, 1845), was a 19th-century English-American sailor, frontiersman, fur trader, merchant, postmaster, US Army soldier, Indian agent , and city planner. A prominent and well-known settler in

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3224-468: The support of local congressman Elihu B. Washburne , Grant became Galena's first general when promoted by Abraham Lincoln on May 17, 1861. Washburne later served a brief stint as Grant's Secretary of State and then as Minister to France . Victories at Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain prompted Lincoln to promote Grant to lieutenant general on March 3, 1864, giving him command of all Union Armies . Grant returned victorious to Galena in 1865 and

3286-502: The trail. Late 20th century, the communities on the Stagecoach Trail, from Lena through Scales Mound, held an annual Stagecoach Trail Festival in June. Section and road numbers are: This Illinois road or road transport-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Galena, Illinois Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois , United States. It had

3348-503: 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. The town is home to several wineries in the Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA . In the area, there are 450 vineyards and 100 wineries available to visit. Main Street in downtown Galena has

3410-455: The winter months. He also laid out plans for an addition to the small town of Moline, Illinois . On July 4, 1845, the Davenport family went to the Illinois mainland, from their home on Rock Island, to celebrate Independence Day . Colonel Davenport stayed behind, however; and sometime during the late afternoon, a band of local bandits forced their way into Davenport's home. Accounts differ as to

3472-449: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.71. In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.5% under the age of 19, 4.2% from 20 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 24.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males. The median income for

3534-585: Was appointed as the first postmaster of Rock Island when the post office was established. In 1826, he resigned his position to become an agent for John Jacob Astor 's American Fur Company with Farnham and oversaw its interests from Iowa to the Turkey River . During the Black Hawk War , he was made an assistant quartermaster with a commission of colonel by Governor John Reynolds . In 1833, Davenport moved from his double log cabin and built his home on

3596-550: Was eased out in 1836–37. When Jo 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 million pounds of lead were mined in Galena from 1825 to 1828, and the population skyrocketed in that time from 200 to 10,000. Local native tribes, then mostly Meskwaki and Ho-Chunk, permitted settlers to mine in established areas in Galena. However,

3658-448: Was little more than a skirmish, but as a result, the US annexed more lands near the city in the resulting 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien which they forced on the Winnebago. A meeting of townspeople on February 1, 1830, established the first fire department. 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

3720-418: 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

3782-520: Was the first permanent residence built in the Rock Island-area, from which grew into a small frontier town. The first recorded religious service was held at his home in 1819. Around this time, Davenport entered a partnership with fellow pioneer and fur trader, Russell Farnham . Building a house on the mainland opposite of Rock Island, the two founded Farnhamsburg, a small village from which present-day Rock Island, Illinois , developed. 1825, Davenport

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3844-705: Was the mother of his first son, George L'Oste, in 1817. Susan was also the mother of his second son, Bailey, who was born in 1824 and served as mayor of Rock Island during the Civil War. While she was not a blood relation, this relationship would have been seen as incestuous in the period. His only known daughter, Elizabeth, was born through a relationship with Catherine Pouitt, a laundress at Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, in 1835. There have also long been rumors of Davenport children born to Sauk and Meskwaki women and possibly other, European-American, women though none are known to be confirmed. George Davenport, while recovering in

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