This is another in an ongoing series of travelogue articles highlighting presidential historic sites across the United States. Join us as we explore the historic city of Galena, Illinois and visit the stately home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant…

Galena, Illinois: An Overview

Located in the rolling foothills of far northwestern Illinois, Galena originally rose to prominence in the mid to late 19th century. Back then, Galena was the heart of lead mining country, as the area’s mountainous terrain had rich deposits of lead and iron ore.

Eventually, mining ran out of steam, and Galena finally reinvented itself as a weekend getaway, aided by a historic downtown and spectacular scenery. Today, the city is packed with unique specialty shops, antique shops, and cozy bed and breakfasts.

Galena is popular year-round. In winter, skiing is a popular activity with several nearby ski resorts. Spring and summer invite visitors to stroll the narrow streets of downtown Galena and enjoy the many activities in town. Autumn is particularly popular as Mother Nature puts on a show with stunning colors of leafy trees along winding roads, valleys and hilltops.

The city itself is not large, with a population well below 10,000. But there’s plenty to see and do here, even without a day of shopping. Just 20 miles to the west is the historic river town of Dubuque, Iowa, which beckons with more shops to explore, three college campuses, and the new Mississippi River Aquarium.

Visiting Grant’s house

Ulysses S. Grant is as well known as a famous Civil War general as our 18th president, perhaps more so. Grant and his family were living in Galena just before he re-enlisted in the US Army at the outbreak of the Civil War. When the war ended, he returned to Galena to live.

Returning to the city in August 1865, a great surprise awaited him. The town of Galena had bought her a handsome brick mansion on the top of a hill just outside of downtown. The house, now open as a Grant museum, is where he lived until he ascended to the presidency in 1869.

Grant continued to visit Galena and stay in the house for a few years before he died in 1885. In 1904, his sons turned the property over to the town, with the understanding that it would be preserved as a historic site. Over the ensuing years, the property has been beautifully maintained and receives thousands of visitors annually.

Tours run Wednesday through Sunday and last about 45 minutes. You’ll see many original furnishings from when Grant and his family lived here, including many personal memorabilia from his presidency.

This Galena home is one of only four historic sites dedicated to President Grant in the entire country, and is probably the most comprehensive in terms of chronicling his life and career. The gardens are beautiful and offer a view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Resume

A weekend visit to the Galena area is ideal for any age or interest level. There are numerous historical attractions, outdoor activities during all four seasons, and specialty shops.

At the center is the home of President Grant, the perfect place to learn about his life, career, and place in American history.