1911-A tornado caused severe damage to the roof of the Grant Home. 1844-Jo Daviess County courthouse on Bench Street, begun in 1839, was completed. He departed with militia for Springfield, hoping for a commission in the regular army. 1845-Lead ore production in the lead region (Galena, IL area; Dubuque, IA area; and southern Wisconsin), peaked at 54 million pounds, representing more than 80 percent of the nation’s total. 1839-Dredging began on the Fever River as the silting problem worsened-a result of soil erosion caused by mining, excessive cutting of trees for smelters and steamboats, and farming. The Illinois Central Railroad arrived in Galena. Construction began on Galena Square. Watershed History Note. 1865-Grant returned from the Civil War in triumph and was given a huge reception and home in Galena by prominent Republicans. (The steeple was added in 1854.) The City Council chambers were located on the second floor until 1938. 1978-Reconstruction on the Coatsworth Building was begun. In the summer many families floated on rafts to the Yukon River to fish for salmon. The Silver Eagle Casino left Frentress Lake near East Dubuque and moved out-of-state. 1973-Frank Einsweiler, strong preservation advocate was elected to the first of four terms as Mayor of Galena. Share. Galena River (Fever River) Origin of Galena River, Wisconsin A stream emptying into the Mississippi from the east, on which is the city of Galena, Illinois; now called the Galena River. Galena, Illinois By the middle of the 19th Century, Galena was one of the richest river towns in the Midwest. |  Developed by Belstar Media, Garret Johnson – The Galena African-American Heritage Foundation, Toys through Time: Holiday Antique Toy Show, Galena River Wine & Cheese 2nd Annual Portfolio Tasting. 1838-The First Presbyterian Church was constructed. A new mining boom began as Indian claims were extinguished. 1987-The Alice T. Virtue Memorial Water Park opened, featuring two swimming pools, a waterslide, and sand volleyball court. 1854-The name of Fever River was changed G River by the Illinois State Legislature. Ulysses S. Grant trained volunteer troops. This region was ice-free during the Wisconsin glaciation and underwent hundreds of thousands of years of glacial-free erosion. Thirty-four local fire departments fought the blaze. On the flip side, some old … He visited Indian-operated lead mines on the Fever River (now the Galena River). 1861-The War Between the States broke out. 1869-The Women’s Suffrage Convention was held in Galena, organized by Sarah Coates Harris, wife of retired captain Daniel Smith Harris. The Methodist Church was built on Bench Street. Because of its location along the Mississippi River, Galena became an important port stop between St. Paul and St. Louis, allowing the city to blossom. The Galena River Trail is built upon an old railroad spur of the Burlington Railroad main line, constructed in 1886. 1830-Galena’s first fire department established. The history of our Galena bed and breakfast inn, The Steamboat House, and its famous owner are an integral part of the town's history. Ulysses S. Grant Home. History. 1862-Because of Galena’s southern antecedents, divided loyalties sill existed. Over 425,000 pounds of lead ore was shipped from Galena, or “January’s Point”, as it was then known. From the origins of Kraft Cheese to one of the earliest African-American churches in Illinois, Galena Country is loaded with stories of yesteryear, making it a cultural cornerstone where past meets present. We came to Galena for the day, intended to stay for maybe a night, and thanks to new friends Captain John Bookless, Me Me, Crystal, Meagan, Edgar, Steve, and George, we stayed for four nights. The Mississippi River took nearly three weeks to return to below flood level. 1858-Business man Daniel Barrows built his house on Bench Street that today houses the Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Museum. In Michigan the name was changed to Galien River by legislative action in 1829, and presumably the Indiana Galena River tributary has the same etymology. Galena, population 470, is located west of the Interior city of Fairbanks along the historic river. 1874-Turner Hall was built by the Turner Society for various community events and “entertainments of respectable character.”. We talked about the river, floods, and the history of Galena. It is now Galena Green Condominiums. Galena is a safe, healthy and vibrant place to raise a family, start a business or enjoy retirement. His campaign headquarters were located at the DeSoto House. During its heyday with 800 or so residents, Galena was the largest community in the Wood River Valley boasting several hotels, stables, a meat market & the Daisy Saloon. Galena’s population reached an all-time high of roughly 14,000. 32 Stat., 399", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Galena_River_(Illinois)&oldid=955875386, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Galena River → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico, This page was last edited on 10 May 2020, at 08:35. 1846-The Market House opened for business. Guest speakers included Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. The city is named for the mineral galena, which was in the ore that formed the basis for the region's early mining economy. Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. It lies along the Galena River (originally called Fever River), 4 miles (6 km) east of the Mississippi River and about 15 miles (25 km) southeast of Dubuque, Iowa. Spring thaw and heavy late spring rainfall caused the Galena River and Mississippi River to crest at the highest level ever. It is now a senior citizen’s center. Great History. St. Mary’s Catholic Church was constructed according to the plans of missionary Father Samuel Mazzuchelli. There were 12 summer fish camps located on the Yukon River between the Koyukuk River and the Nowitna River.Galena was established in 1918 near an Athabascan fish camp called … Blackhawk and his people were defeated at the Battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas both spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel. Meanwhile, Dr. Moses Meeker and his colony arrived on the keelboat Colonel Bumford, and Meeker began smelting lead. The Old City Cemetery was established on Quality Hill, between High and Dodge Streets. An Episcopal Service was first held on the banks of the Fevre (now, Galena) River in 1826, the year Galena was incorporated as a town. Water levels rose rapidly Monday afternoon. 1859-The Alexander Jackson home was constructed on Bouthillier Street. The City of Galena, Alaska was established in 1918 as a supply and trans-shipment point for lead ore (galena) mining prospects south of the Yukon River. The former Galena Forward Operating Location (FOL) is located on the northern bank of the Yukon River in the City of Galena, approximately 45 miles east of Nulato, 270 miles west of Fairbanks, and 350 miles northwest of Anchorage. The City of Galena is located in the unglaciated area of Northwest Illinois. Construction began on Grace Episcopal Church on Hill Street. It was named after a life-long Galena resident whose estate provided money for the project. Felt estate. 1988-Frank Einsweiler retired as Mayor of Galena after 50 years of community service. Fires caused extensive damage to wooden buildings on Main Street. 1816-Captain John Shaw of the U.S. Army reported Indians along the Fever River mining lead from the “Buck Lead” north of Galena. 1992-January-The main lodge at Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort suffered a major loss due to fire. The name of the river is confusing, because while originally named the Fever River, the state of Illinois (shamed to have a river named after smallpox) renamed it to the Galena River. Jo Daviess County was introduced to unlimited stakes riverboat gambling aboard the Silver Eagle Casino, docked at Frentress Lake, just west of Galena near East Dubuque. 1890-A lock and dam was built near the mouth of the Galena River, functioning until 1921. Galena’s history began early in America’s quest to explore the West. Grant went to work in his father’s leather goods store as a clerk for $600 per year. Must-visit spots include the Grant Home, The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, and the DeSoto and Washburne Houses. Samuel Hughlett began smelting on a small tributary of the Fever River, known today as Hughlett’s Branch. Alexander Ross was the first known white man to explore Galena, when … The location was on the site of a former Athabaskan fish camp recorded in the 1880 Census map as Natulaten. Toll bridges were built at Bouthillier and Franklin Streets. It is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Galena. 1982-A new footbridge opened connecting Grant Park to downtown. Galena was the first mineral rush city in the United States back in the 1820's. Following English language code-switching of the French river name "Rivière aux Fèves", the river name was corrupted and was eventually referred to as "Fever River". The Old No. Today it is the second oldest continuously owned and operated post office in the nation. Established in 1826, the city of Galena was named after a rare mineral formed from lead sulfide. It is now the Tourist Information Center. 1822-The first mining lease was granted by the federal government to Col. James Johnson, who brought 20 white miners and perhaps 50 slaves from Kentucky to work his claim. It was dedicated as the Frank L. Einsweiler bridge. The Winnebago War of 1827, also known as the "Fevre River War", is associated with this river. 1826-Lieutenant Thomas began to lie out streets and lots. The building is now an Illinois State Historic Site. 1868-Grant ran for president. Lead was already a trade article with the French. A farmer’s market operated on the first floor and outside on the square until 1910. Map View. 1995-Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau moved into the Old Waterworks Building at the corner of Park and Bouthillier Streets. Galena, city, seat (1827) of Jo Daviess county, northwestern Illinois, U.S. 1990-The City of Galena received a $684,800 grant for renovation of Turner Hall. Although two floors were removed in 1880, the building still stands today as the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. For the History. Later, Ulysses S. Grant and his family worshipped there. 1856-Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony of the DeSoto House. Overlooking the banks of the Galena River, the historic town of Galena, Illinois blends the pristine beauty of the Midwestern countryside with a welcoming spirit and endless recreational and cultural pursuits that earned us a place on Forbes Magazine's “Prettiest Towns in America” list and Conde Nast Traveler's “Friendliest Cities in America” rankings. 1824-The U.S. Government appointed Lieutenant Martin Thomas as mine agent to issue leases and collect royalties for the Federal Leadmine District. The Galena River, also known as Fever River, meanders through the lush scenery of Northern Illinois before winding through Galena’s historic downtown. I am a native Galenian and love having easy access to hours worth of listening material which I can reference at my own pace. The spur linked Galena to Galena Junction, where the main railroad line—still active—follows the Mississippi River. 1931-U.S. Grant Home is deeded to the state by the City of Galena. 1928-Hard surfacing with concrete of U.S. 20 completed through the city of Galena. Miners and traders flocked to the Point. 1827-Jo Daviess County organized; it was named after a Kentucky lawyer and militia officer who fell at the head of his troops at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 in Indiana. Galena’s first Chamber of Commerce was organized. John Dowling’s trading post was built about this time of native limestone. The "River of the Mines" of La Setter, afterward "La Rtviere de Fere" of the French settlers, and still later the "Fever River" of the universal Yankee, became in 1854, by an Act of the Legislature of Illinois, the "Galena River." The Galena Complex has a large resource base to be exploited with high-confidence exploration targets along extension and below existing resources with potential for deeper-level, high-grade targets. Galena's political history is among the most significant in the State of Illinois. Jenna A wrote a review Nov 2020. Trains on the spur stopped running around 1960. A school was es… (Liz Martin/The Gazette) The Galena River flows near the historic district, providing recreational opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, in Galena on … Because of siltation, the river channel continued to decrease in size while intensity and frequency of floods increased. History Prehistory and early history. All reviews beautiful house period pieces galena river great history tiffany jones chandeliers architecture steamboat homes. 1906-The high school building on Prospect Street was completed. ft. Dick’s Supermarket. Galena saw its first serious flood, with steamboats floating down Main Street. Eventually, we thought it might be time to move on downriver. Sackett and Co. kilns on Dewey Avenue. Drawbridges were built at Meeker and Spring Streets. 1690-Frenchman Nicholas Perrot established a trading post on the east side of the Mississippi River opposite the present site of Dubuque, Iowa. James Jones begins publishing the first newspaper in the Region, the Miner’s Journal. 1841-The state legislature granted a charter of incorporation to the City of Galena. 1847-The government began to sell land in the Lead District to private owners, after more and more miners and smelters circumvented payment of royalties on leased land, thus rendering the leasing system ineffective. Daniel Smith Harris’s Grey Eagle, the fastest steamboat on the Upper Mississippi River, sank at Rock Island, Illinois and the captain retired from the steamboat business but stayed active in the Galena business community. 1994-Judith Gratton became the first woman County Board Chairman. The first boatload of lead ore was shipped down the Fever and Mississippi Rivers by Col. George Davenport, after whom Davenport, Iowa is named. 1818-John Tyler Armstrong built a cabin on the east bank of the Fever River, probably in the vicinity of the Illinois Central Railroad Depot (Information Center). Council Hill Station. H.H. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. A 581-acre (235 ha) section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District. 1828-In February, the steamer Josephine had to break through the ice in the Fever River to deliver flour to residents of Galena, who were desperately short of provisions. 1968-Over 85 percent of Galena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The wood floor on the main level, as well as many windows and doors, were replaced. Here are a few of the many highlights in Galena’s past. our history Grace Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the Diocese of Chicago. Ordinances now prohibit buildings constructed of wood in the downtown area. 1891-The bronze statue of Grant and the Soldier’s Monument was installed in Grant Park. Hazel Green was part of the mining boom that took place in this part of Wisconsin in the 1800s. 1819-Francis Bouthillier took over the deserted Armstrong cabin and established a ferry across the Fever River at the foot of what is now Bouthillier Street. 1993-Kraft closed its Galena plant, consolidating production at the Stockton plant. About 100 men came up the river from St. Louis to work the Fever River mines. David Sheean was elected Mayor. Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. 1848-Westminister Presbyterian Church was built on South Bench Street. “Galena tours is a must have app for tourism and home town history. 1860-Ulysses S. Grant and family arrived in Galena and rented the house at 121 South High Street. The Galena River was over 200 feet wide. Put-in near Galena's Main Street which will offer you plenty of opportunities to explore the river on your own, or to take day excursions offered by a … 1951-Construction was completed on the dike and floodgates, finally protecting Galena from floodwaters. The history of the area runs as deep as the ore veins in the mines nearby. Five feet of water was recorded on Main Street. It enters Illinois in Jo Daviess County to flow through the city of Galena before it joins the upper Mississippi River a few miles south and west. 1893-During the nationwide economic depression, many Galena businesses failed. The Customs House, built to register Upper Mississippi steamboat cargoes, was also the new Post Office. Galena was once the home of Ulysses S. Grant, and today guests can tour his old residence and steep themselves in American history. One of Galena's most important landmarks, The Steamboat House is a Gothic Revival historic mansion built by steamboat captain Daniel Smith Harris and his wife, Sarah. Visit the former home of Ulysses S. Grant, built as a thank … He was instrumental in getting funding for a dike and floodgates on the Galena River. Reconstruction began immediately and portions of the new facility were opened by August. The narration is easy to understand and allows me to casually learn about and explore my home town.” The new development featured a 30,000 sq. The Blackhawk War broke out. The river was originally known as "Rivière aux Fèves" and "Bean River" due to the large amounts of wild beans that grew along its banks. Gaslights lined the streets and the Marine Hospital was completed along the Galena River. Galena’s Democratic administration played a very small roll in the festivities. Galena Country is known for it's well-preserved, 19th-century architecture and Ulysses S. Grant history, but there's even more to discover in this historically amazing destination! Took good covid precautions. This stage of Turner Hall renovation was completed in June 1992. 1926-Turner hall was gutted by fire. Large numbers of miners began arriving, including settlers from Lord Selkirk’s failed colony on the Red River in Canada. [3] Following English language code-switching of the French river name "Rivière aux Fèves", the river name was corrupted and was eventually referred to as "Fever River".[3][4]. A census revealed 650 houses and 2,225 people in the city. Anti-War Democratic lawyers Madison Y. Johnson and David S. Sheean were arrested for disloyal activities. The river rises in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, south of Benton and southwest of Shullsburg. Gear arrived in the Lead District and began mining near Council Hill. Indians defeated the militia at the battle of Stillman’s Run, which caused panic in the Lead District. 1908-The Galena Public Library on Bench Street was constructed, funded by the Carnegie Foundation and B.F. Flood of 1993 was named the Hundred Year Flood. It was the first recorded permanent settlement on the Fever River. It rises a few miles above the present city … Our rolling hills, history, 19th century architecture and opportunities for year round outdoor recreation attract nearly a million visitors a year. In fact, 85% of Galena’s buildings are in a National Register Historic District. Among the party was 15-year-old Daniel Smith Harris, destined to become the most prominent steamboat captain on the Upper Mississippi River. 1981 due to low ridership, poor management, and Meeker began smelting lead and Mississippi River took nearly weeks! Now prohibit buildings constructed of wood in the lead District and began mining near Council Hill.! 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