Galena & U.S. Grant Museum
Galena History
SITE
211 S Bench St,
Galena, IL 61036
director@galenahistorymuseum.org
(815) 777-9131
Mon - Sun 10am-4:30pm
Tickets - $15 /adult
Group Tours - $10 /adult
The museum is located in a 1858 Italianate mansion built as a private residence by Galena merchant Daniel Barrows. The museum features over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space and presentations on lead mining in the northwest region, the Driftless Area, Grant’s leather store, the Port of Galena: 1858.
- “Peace in Union” and “General Grant on the Battlefield” paintings,
- Flag from the Vicksburg Siege,
- a topographical map of Jo Daviess County,
HISTORY
Grant and his family arrived in Galena in the spring of 1860 and rented a small Federal style brick house. He had ended a fifteen year military career six years earlier, but had enjoyed little business success as a civilian. He hoped to reverse his economic misfortune by moving to northwestern Illinois, where he would work in the Galena store owned by his father and managed by his younger brothers, Simpson and Orvil. Grant was a clerk in name only; he spent considerable time away from the store, "traveling through the Northwest considerably during the winter of 1860-61. They had customers in all the little towns in south-west Wisconsin, south-east Minnesota, and northeast. Iowa." Until he left Galena in the spring of 1861 to serve in the Civil War, Grant and his wife, Julia, rented a modest brick home on the west side of the river for approximately $100.00 a year ($3,785.24 in 2024).
… 5 years later…
On August 18, 1865, the citizens of Galena greeted the return of its victorious General with a grand celebration. A "grand triumphal arch" spanned Main Street, and a holiday atmosphere prevailed with a jubilant procession, speeches, and evening fireworks. Julia Grant recalled that "there was a tremendous and enthusiastic outpouring of people to welcome him . . . After a glorious triumphal ride around the hills and valleys, so brilliant with smiles and flowers, we were conducted to a lovely villa exquisitely furnished with everything good taste could desire."
Galena History - Galena’s 9 Generals
Grant Home - Grant in Galena