Historic Sites in Galena, Illinois

The history of our beautiful Illinois town is inexorably intertwined with the history of our nation, and as much as you will love exploring the natural landscape, dining your way through town in delicious restaurants, and shopping in cute boutiques and wonderful galleries, learning about the history of Galena may satisfy your soul. Today, we at Farmers Guest House want to invite you to take a step back in time and walk in the footsteps of American heroes, both famous and unknown, with this guide to historic sites in Galena serving as a map to the past! 

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Galena & US Grant Museum, 211 S Bench Street, Open Daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM

President U.S. Grant once made his home in Galena, and this wonderful museum tells the story of those long-ago days, offering art that includes the “Peace in the Union” painting, exhibits from the leather store Grant had during his time here, and a comprehensive exhibit about the mining history of our town. 

Old Blacksmith Shop, 245 N Commerce Street

Open seasonally, the Old Blacksmith Shop first opened for business over 100 years ago and today, is often staffed by volunteer blacksmiths, continuing the art just as it was done in 1897. Offering historic equipment and a gift shop in which you can purchase some of the pieces forged here, providing the most unusual and desirable souvenir of your time spent in Galena. 

Old Market House State Historic Site, 123 N Commerce Street 

Before the internet, the social centers of town revolved around two places: the post office, where everyone would go to get their mail and their gossip, and the General Store. The Old Market House was that place for the people of Galena in the 1800s, and it still stands as a reminder of those simpler times, offering a peek into history, and although you can’t tour the inside right now, the brick Greek revival building photographs beautifully, making it worthy of a visit. 

Ulysses S. Grant Home, 500 Bouthillier Street, Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM 

The next spot on our tour of historic sites in Galena brings us to the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Although he was born in Ohio and buried in New York, the years he spent in our hometown left a mark, especially as he spent some of his time during his presidency here, and the home, given first to the city and later to the state, was restored to its former glory in the 1950s and has been a strong presence in our town ever since.

Elihu B Washburne House, 908 3^rd Street, Open Fridays & Saturdays, May Through October 

Elihu B Washburne was first a prominent attorney right here in Galena, before being elected an Illinois congressman who served his terms before, during, and after the Civil War. Fully restored and offering tours during the hours it is open the home offers a beautiful example of Victorian age middle class life. 

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, 311 E Myrtle Street in Elizabeth, Open Year-Round, Various Days and Times

The Apple River Fort, located in the nearby town of Elizabeth, is a reconstructed structure located on the site of the 1832 Black Hawk War, a short war that lasted just a few months but left an impact on all people involved. Today, there is an interpretative center offering exhibits that tell the story of this bloody war, and guests can tour the exact replica of the fort. Additionally, the Caspar-Koester cabin, built in the 1840s, was moved to the site, but currently, they are not offering tours. 

Old Stockade, 208 Perry Street, Currently Not Open for Tours 

The final spot on our list of historic sites in Galena goes to the Old Stockade, used to keep the women and children safe and today is filled with historic exhibits and also serves as an art gallery.