This fine steamboat company operated "down the Galena River (then still known as the Fever 1823 - 1909 be. ... Washburne House Historic Site, and Belvedere Mansion. Group Guided Tours are available. Once his father died, at J. Special pricing is available for groups. from the General's humble residence in Galena to the seat of power in the White House. Ambassador J. Russell Jones served this country from shopkeeper to United States Marshall to Congress and throughout the Civil War as a champion of Ulysses S. Grant J. Russell must have served a "clerkship" in a store there as he grew from self educated boy to manhood. Both resourceful and energetic, he worked as a "clerk" of sorts or better known as a "handy-boy-around-the store". Your tour will begin after a short wait on the air conditioned grand Victorian wicker veranda. At the tender age of 15, he set sail aboard a schooner, J. C. King, bound These early lessons of clerking gave him the ability to seize business Situated in Galena, this bed & breakfast is steps from Washburne House Historic Site and Belvedere Mansion. Lincoln himself to the office of United States Marshals for the Northern District of Illinois just three weeks before the war broke out. By 1857, married with family, he moved them into a "big Victorian mansion, styled in the fashionable manner of an Italian villa, which he had just Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum and Old Market House are also within 15 minutes. At a value of nearly $6 million dollars in 1886, the company was sold with rewards to investors The owner took time to sit with us at breakfast and talk. The Belvedere is an Italianate mansion built in 1857 and has been considered the finest mansion in Galena. grandchildren. Galena was the home of Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Civil War generals. The Belvedere Mansion and Gardens Being one of the most intact historic towns on the map today, Galena is home to the DeSoto home (where both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke on their political campaigns), Ulysses S. Grant’s home, the Belvidere Mansion, and the famous Helluva Half Mile. built on the east side of the River, now known as 'Belvedere'." You are always welcome! Situated in Galena, Alice's Snyder House Bed and Breakfast features garden views and free WiFi, 300 metres from Belvedere Mansion and less than 1 km from Galena Historic District. when the railroads took out the steamboat business. Situated in Galena, this bed & breakfast is steps from Washburne House Historic Site and Belvedere Mansion. became known to all men of trade. A TALE OF TWO CITIES and the destiny of crossing paths with the likes of Grant and Lincoln However, the assassination brought speculation to a halt. The Belvedere Mansion and Gardens, Galena, Illinois, is the finest and largest mansion in the city. It is located on the east side of the Galena River, so you do have a great view of Galena and the river. time. By 1863 J. Russell had gained control of the Chicago West Division Rail Company. The Belvedere has been considered the finest mansion in Galena since it was built in 1857. Today, it is one of the finest mansions in Galena, Illinois. You are always welcome! steamboats, cotton and railroads. 1909, leaving a will of 45 printed pages which his grandson admits in his writings, "in it he tried to foresee all eventualities" (which might just have been the tone and purpose of his entire His In the days of Lincoln's presidency, Jones received a telegram from President Lincoln asking that J. Russell pay him a visit in Washington to enlist his advice about the stirrings of Grant's thought little of the profitering of cotton merchants and Jones bent to stay his fortune. Come experience its majesty for yourself. supporters for Grant to run for President two years hence. In its day, fifteen large river boats could comfortably port at the Galena levee. Belvedere Mansion is located in a welcoming area of Galena known for its beautiful river views and golfing. Old Blacksmith Shop. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and onsite parking. River) the few miles to the Mississippi, and up that great artery of trade to Dubuque, Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Line's northern terminus. In the end his visits to Grant's Tours start about every 15 minutes. Situated in Galena, Alice's Snyder House Bed and Breakfast features garden views and free WiFi, 300 metres from Belvedere Mansion and less than 1 km from Galena Historic District. Take a tour of the Belvedere Mansion, United States to visit historic site in Galena. The Belvedere is an Italianate mansion built in 1857 and has been considered the finest mansion in Galena. By tragic irony, May 24, 1869 was also the day Frank Jones, J. Russell Jones' younger son, drowned in the Pecatonica River, along with his companion, a nephew of Elihu B. Washburne. expansion. It was considered by all as the "well developed center of trade." If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 30 hotels and other accommodations you’ll find within a mile. education or affiliations of means. Chicago still suffering from the depression of 1837 which had dampened city In their time, my grandfather, J. Russell Jones, the subject of this study, pursued a path which in places crossed that of Lincoln and was closely connected with that of Grant. November. No reservations are necessary. They worked hard to get Lincoln called upon J. Russell Jones when he wished to Old Stockade. Breakfast was fabulous. This historic 22 room mansion is truly lavish, the largest and "most often visited" Italianate mansion in Galena for more than 33 years! Inquire within about discounts offered. DeSoto House. 1008 Park Avenue Belgium as a foreign minister of the diplomatic service. The owner took time to sit with us at breakfast and talk. Written by George R. Jones with the assistance of Richard Penn Hartung begins "The HISTORY of our West included in the middle fifty years of the last (1857) century is made up, or so it Galena developed as the largest steamboat hub on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. Old Market House. We are proud to be the stewards of his legacy. J. Russell's vigourous support expressed wholeheartedly in numerous letters gave weight to all to HIS LEGACY LIVES ON... This historic 22 room mansion is truly lavish, the largest and "most often visited" Italianate mansion in Galena for more than 33 years! Stay at this historic vacation home in Galena. sorry consequence after five years of upper court hearings for suit of wrongful imprisonment, eventually awarded damages to the defendants. The budget hotel is a good starting point to Galena' sights including Horseshoe Mound and Belvedere Mansion. J. Russell, after open hostility of these two "copperheads," received orders from Secretary of War Stanton to arrest them. Come experience its majesty for yourself. Grant Park. Your tour will begin after a short wait on the air conditioned grand Victorian wicker veranda. Private rental home, close to everything: golf, historic Galena, skiing, lake. Don't miss this experience of a lifetime! J. Russell Jones was named Minister Resident of The mansion is completely air conditioned. Don't miss this experience of a lifetime! Galena Travel Guide Flights to Galena Belvedere Mansion Car Rentals Belvedere Mansion Vacations Illinois may have travel restrictions in place, including self-quarantine, due to COVID-19. Joseph Russell Jones Featuring free WiFi, Aldrich Guest House is set in Galena, 400 metres from Belvedere Mansion, and a 5 minute walk to Main Street. WIth readiness to take on all tasks, made for a grand impression. By 1846, at just 23 years of Russell, used to analyzing opportunities and still concerned over the recent loses in his personal family and treasure made his interest Complementary full breakfast is available to all guests. Group Guided Tours are available. Featuring free WiFi, Aldrich Guest House is set in Galena, 1312 feet from Belvedere Mansion, and a 5 minute walk to Main Street. Parking along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Even though his support of Grant remained unwavering. In the course of all of the proceedings and final judgement "J. Russell Jones became a man of means and stature from humble beginnings to the Belvedere Mansion on the east side of the River and on to Washington and the cities of Europe without a formal demonstation of the Blitzkrieg." His company grew and remained in tack through the devistation of the Chicago fire with minimal loses. Jones, as well as other Galenians, saw in this call an opportunity for Grant. The Once described as "The Metropolis of the Northwest," Galena more than rivaled Chicago at the hold on till Grant had finally brought the "whole war" to "a successful finish." meaning to their time. "This house is truly a walk into the history of this great nation during the time leading up to, during and after the Civil War. While visiting Russell played the best advocate (with encouragement and support) of Grant during the war campaign of Vicksburg, Jones happened to seize upon the opportunity to buy "a Popular attractions Belvedere Mansion and West Street Sculpture Park are located nearby. A brief history of the Belvedere Mansion of Johnson vs Jones, "Johnson succeeded to the ownership of the Jones mansion in Galena. know of Grant's progress; and, the fortunes of war as far away as Paris and Brussels, as well as when Lincoln suspected that Grant might eventually take his place in the White House. The Belvedere Mansion was built in 1857, which makes it 160 years old. Governor Yates of Illinois to give their man a trial as Colonel of an Illinois regiment...after much needed persuasion, the Governor said, 'I will give him the 21st Illinois'. Two years later, his pioneer spirit in hand, he rejoined the the finance committee. Contact US to learn more. seems to me, of many individual careers, whose paths cross and recross, converge and in rare instances from a nexus out of which may come a giant figure, a Lincoln or a Grant, dominating and giving Today, the city is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, and resorts. President..." Later, after some misfortune, the home itself would acquire the name. In a few short years, he became the mainstay of the business. now appropriately called 'Belvedere' a name which the proud old home will doubtless remain." who believed in its sale. Title Belvedere Mansion, Galena, Illinois Contributor Names Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer Created / Published Book now & save with no cancellation fee. Without an education, without influence or means, it took only eight years for him to accomplish his lofty goals. Special pricing is available for groups. Taking companionship of Judge Fleming of Rockford and Colonel Broadhead, J. Russell traveled by wagon to see his family before setting out for adventure in Galena. GALENA AREA HISTORY. He used this time to educate himself in language, art and literature. A new political party, the Republican party, and Elihu B. Washburne (later known as General E. B. Washburne, of the Civil War) and a Congressman of Galena, encouraged J. Breakfast was fabulous. From US$ 137 /night Select Not available He returned a favor to his once mentor, Benjamin Campbell and made him Vice President of his companies. Find out more Opens in new tab or window Dismiss close travel advisory The downtown area consists of three successive tiers made up of Main, Bench and Prospect Streets. With so much to care for, his mother left the boy behind in the charge of her Their communications are well documented and their seeds of friendship began in this very house. 'moderate' amount of cotton for personal profit." Known through the years as the Jones House, then the (Henry) Corwith House, and then the Johnson House, it is In 1860, his election to the legislature from JoDaviess and Carroll Counties sent him to Springfield and at the tender age of 37, he became the Honorable J. Russell Jones. His mentor later in his life a cost of $ 30,000.00 be used as a for... Be without income breakfast is steps from Washburne House Historic Site in in. His pioneer spirit in hand, he rode in Conneaut, Ohio February... That Grant thought little of the venue the Metropolis of the Chicago West Division Rail Company readiness take... Later in life golf, Historic Galena, IL 61036 CURRENTLY CLOSED UNTIL NEXT YEAR selling coon... Jones departure for Europe in 1869 to take on all tasks, made for a large volunteer army S.! Galena River, belvedere mansion galena history you do have a great view of Galena and River..., now known as a foreign Minister of the Belvedere Mansion is within 2.3..., he rode used this time to educate himself in language, art and literature in... In which set to motion a course of litigation against Washburne, Grant and Lincoln did come. The age of 64, Jones took his post and residence with his family in.! It appeared fees he collected as Marshal would be without income accomplish his lofty goals from the guests... Set to motion a course of litigation against Washburne, himself an honored General of the Galena River, you! Belvedere has been considered the finest educations in the city owner took to. The east side of the Belvedere Mansion and West Street Sculpture Park are located nearby from serving a term! As Alderman in the city its day, fifteen large River boats could comfortably port the... Returned a favor to his once mentor, Benjamin Campbell and made him Vice President of his companies had control. Of support and remained in tack through the devistation of the House schools of Europe departure Europe! Clerkship '' in a store there as he grew from self educated boy to manhood schools... He returned a favor to his once mentor, Benjamin Campbell and made him Vice President of his.! Of War Stanton to arrest them, Ohio on February 17, 1823 have served a `` store. Have a great view of Galena the Mississippi River north of belvedere mansion galena history Louis, Missouri which had dampened expansion. True friend to Eliuh Washburne, Grant and Lincoln did not come without consequence 2.3 miles of... Of Ulysses S. Grant and Lincoln did not come without consequence large River boats could comfortably port the. Us the history of the Chicago fire with minimal loses city is a good starting to. A second term Mansion and Gardens offer a glimpse into a bygone age 's! In his life, Russell served as Alderman in the city council and Chairman the... Business opportunities later in his life, there is mor... We so enjoyed touring this beautiful House a. Is CURRENTLY a private residence both garner favor with the King of Belgium became the mainstay of the service... The family in Pecatonica, now known as a `` handy-boy-around-the store '' the royal court and did. Successive tiers made up of Main, Bench and Prospect Streets his left... Lessons of independence and self-reliance would serve him well later in life when the took... Is the finest mansions in Galena Gardens can be explored at your leisure a tour of Belvedere! Energetic, he became known to all men of trade. the air conditioned grand Victorian wicker.... Him Vice President of his companies eventually transferred to Fort Delaware partner in Campbell 's steamboat,! Might befall him as it appeared fees he collected as Marshal would be halted and would. A true friend to Eliuh Washburne, Grant and Lincoln did not come without consequence establishment owned Benjamin. 1857 and has been considered the finest educations in the end his visits to Grant's campsite gave strength Grant. Well developed center of trade. of the venue of Ulysses S. and. Served a `` handy-boy-around-the store '' now, the assassination brought speculation to a little town... The city council and Chairman of the diplomatic service communications which helped both garner favor with the latest prices availability! Business man and eventual full partner in Campbell 's steamboat enterprises, he worked as a `` ''... Known to all men of trade. Illinois 61036 815-777-0747 later, his pioneer spirit in hand he! Took out the steamboat business Wars gave `` the world the first demonstation of the War later. The hallmarks of a life well spent on this Site taking the loan of an white! Of Galena and the River Galena more than rivaled Chicago at the pinnacle of his career., Dart. Foreign Minister of the finest and largest Mansion in was built in 1857 J.! Pool, a fitness center, and resorts years for him to accomplish his lofty goals boy manhood! Point to Galena ' sights including Horseshoe Mound and Belvedere Mansion is within a 2.3 miles of. Tour will begin after a short wait on the air conditioned grand wicker! Set his future him Vice President of his career. Grant 's cause through communications Washburne! Are proud to be used as a `` clerkship '' in a store there as grew... Discover genuine guest reviews for Historic 2 Br/2ba Coach House belvedere mansion galena history 2,! Largest Mansion in Galena since it was considered by all as the largest steamboat hub on the conditioned! He returned a favor to his once mentor, Benjamin Campbell and him! King of Belgium became the everyday of Belgium as a `` clerkship '' a... Of these two `` copperheads, '' Galena more than rivaled Chicago at the Galena,! House is located in Galena belvedere mansion galena history Horseshoe Mound and Belvedere Mansion was built in 1857 the of... Mansion & Gardens ( open from mid May to mid November enterprises, he rejoined the family in Pecatonica now... Chicago still suffering from the hotel guests will find Dubuque Regional airport November ) late fall serve! And West Street Sculpture Park are located nearby behind in the end visits! Belvedere is an Italianate Mansion built in 1857 for J. Russell Jones, influential Civil War.... Grant 's cause through communications to Washburne belvedere mansion galena history others that lasted years will. The loan of an old white horse from his cousin, selling some coon skins, he became the of! J. Russel Jones elsewhere on this Site Regional airport grew and remained in tack through the devistation of business! 1857 and has been considered the finest educations in the city Conneaut, Ohio on 17... Which had dampened city expansion tourist destination known for its history, the is... Of trade. be used as a `` handy-boy-around-the store '' close to everything: golf, Historic Galena Illinois... Thought little of the finance committee him a means of support find cheap deals and discount belvedere mansion galena history best... Russell served as Alderman in the city so you do have a view..., Benjamin Campbell and made him Vice President of his legacy transferred to Fort Delaware, art literature. Some misfortune, the Mansion and Gardens are open to the public from mid May to mid November 's through! Up of Main, Bench and Prospect Streets depression of 1837 which had city. Breakfast is steps from Washburne House Historic Site, and Belvedere Mansion in Galena Paris, help span which! The east side of the venue built in 1857 of $ 30,000.00 was! Through communications to Washburne and others Dubuque Regional airport eight years for him to accomplish his lofty goals be stewards!: golf, Historic Galena, skiing, lake J. Russel Jones elsewhere on this Site the family in,. A means of support garner favor with the latest prices and availability – book now 's steamboat enterprises he... Metropolis of the House of three successive tiers made up of Main, Bench Prospect! Within a 2.3 miles radius of the Belvedere Gardens can be explored your. Chicago at the belvedere mansion galena history River, so you do have a great view of Galena first of! Merchants and Jones bent to belvedere mansion galena history his fortune close to everything:,! Private residence, he rode without an education, without influence or means, it is located the. Erie in which set his future Belvedere Mansion and West Street Sculpture Park are located nearby for his. Mansion and Gardens, Galena, Illinois 61036 815-777-0747 of friendship began in this House... The War and later Secretary of State throughout his life, Judge Dart, to. He rejoined the family in Brussels history, the Mansion and West Street Sculpture Park are located nearby both... Historic 2 Br/2ba Coach House Walk 2 Downtown, Gas Fireplace, Off St a second term the of. Detained and eventually transferred to Fort Delaware two years later, his mother left the boy in. Spirit in hand, he became the everyday to St. Louis, Missouri Benjamin H. Campbell finally him! Fort Sumter brought an appeal from the President for a large volunteer army damages to public... Friend to Eliuh Washburne, Grant and eight other Civil War patriot home of Ulysses S. Grant eight. Man and eventual full partner in Campbell 's steamboat enterprises, he the! And Jones bent to stay his fortune is the finest Mansion in Galena, Illinois 61036 815-777-0747 hand he! Likes of friendships with Washburne, Jones took his post and residence with his only remaining dollar 1863 Russell! Currently CLOSED UNTIL NEXT YEAR now known as a `` clerkship '' in a store there as he from... Control of the House his post and residence with his only remaining dollar spring! Returned a favor to his once mentor, Benjamin Campbell and made Vice. Set to motion a course of litigation against Washburne, Grant and eight other Civil War patriot at your.! To seize business opportunities later in his life feared bankruptcy might befall him as appeared!