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If it weren’t for the modern vehicles lining the streets and contemporary knick-knacks lining the retail shelves, you might think Galena, Illinois was frozen in another time. Galena began as a lead mining town, but hit its glory days around the Civil War which left behind striking examples of a huge variety of architecture styles. 85% of the buildings in town are listed on the National Historical Registry, making Galena a history and photo buffs paradise.
Grant Mansion in Galena
General Ulysses S. Grant lived in Galena briefly before heading off to lead the Union troops and then returned, victoriously, to a new mansion built by the town.
Belvedere Mansion visited by President Lincoln during the Civil War
President Lincoln also spent some time in Galena, as he visited the Belvedere Mansion to inquire about Grant’s progress during the war. This presidential history, along with the scores of French Colonial, Italianate, and Greek Revival buildings, prompted Time Life to place Galena on its list of 100 Places to See in Your Lifetime.
Today I am linking up with Photo Friday at Delicious Baby and Friday Daydreaming at R We There Yet Mom where you can see some great travel photos.
Also, I am so honored to be featured at Happily Mother After for my photos of the recycled art in a West Texas field. Head over there where you can see truely terrific photos from around the blogosphere.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
This will go on our list of a place to see this summer when we go to Illinois!
Thanks for linking up!
~Becca
I love historic towns like this – beautiful pics!
I wish somebody would build me a mansion like that. I mean, without having to fight a war for it or anything like that.
I'm always amazed at how many little-known historical towns we have right here in the US. Wish I had time to visit them all.
I love old historical town and buildings. If I ever make it that I'll have to visit the Mansions.
The Beledere House looks amazing, what a historic place.
Beautiful pics from Illinoise. Saw you at Happily Mother After. I would love for you to join my Anything Goes linky every fri-monday.
Wow! These mansions are impressive! I can't actually imagine anybody living in them, they're so big
What a charming little place. The first photo looks a lot like Germany.
Beautiful photos! I especially like the first one, which reminds me of somewhere in Europe. Galena sounds like it is full of great history.
Interesting bit of history, nice illustrated.
What a great and charming town! Love your photos of all the different architecture especially Belvedere Mansion.
I always forget about the historical towns in the US, it seems you always think about "historical" being somewhere far away. Its nice to see this place, makes me want to visit it, and similar places close to my home as well.
Galena is a beautiful town. Your top picture especially show somes of the beautiful landscape of the area. Nice pics and intersting historical information.