Galena Historic District

Once a thriving lead mining town, Galena, Illinois faced a significant decline in the late 19th century due to the fall of the lead industry and the rise of railroads. However, the town had a secret weapon - a forward-thinking preservation ordinance passed in 1965. This helped Galena's historic district get listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. Today, the district encompasses 85% of the city, bustling with over 800 properties, many of which date back to the 19th century.

The downtown area consists of three fascinating tiers: Main, Bench, and Prospect Streets. Walking down Main Street, you'll encounter buildings crafted of red brick and styled in the Federal or commercial architecture of the 1840s. Bench Street features public and fraternal buildings, while Prospect Street is primarily residential. The towering church steeples dominate the cityscape when viewed from the levee or railroad tracks. Prospect Street also boasts the large old high school and its clock tower.

Some of the private homes in the area northwest of Prospect Street date back to Galena's early days. Notable properties within the district include the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the Elihu B. Washburne House, and the Old Market House. The Galena Customs House and U.S. Post Office, constructed in 1858, is a marvelous example of Federal architecture. The John Dowling House displays the Classical Revival style. The DeSoto House Hotel, opened in April 1855, serves as the oldest operating hotel in Illinois.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons