Galena 2026

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Galena, Illinois will celebrate her bicentennial in 2026 with a series of events throughout the year and special attention to other events.

10/28/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! In 1890, Herman H. Kohlsaat announced his impending gift to the City of Galena - a nine-foot bronze statue of Ulysses S. Grant. The council accepted his proposal, bought a parcel of land along the river, tore down the buildings, and transformed it into Grant Park. Second Street was renamed Park Avenue to match.

10/25/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! 1869 — Women’s Suffrage Convention

Galena hosted a Women’s Suffrage Convention organized by Sarah Coates Harris.

Guest speakers included two nationally recognized voices for women’s rights: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

Galena was part of the national conversation for women’s suffrage.

10/24/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! 1867 — A New Bridge

A small iron bridge costing $700 was built at the Meeker Street crossing of Hughlett’s Branch.

A small piece of infrastructure — but another step in Galena’s growing community!

10/21/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! In 1828 Morgan L. Martin wrote his impressions of a very early, burgeoning Galena. This is one of many documents the Galena Public Library is scanning from research complied by Marilyn Johnson at the Old Stockade.

10/21/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! The Galena Hook & Ladder Company organized on October 21, 1851, electing Asa Hale as Foreman and Adam Telford as Assistant Foreman.

It was the third fire company organized in Galena within just a few weeks — showing the community’s determination to protect itself from fire. The image below is from 1907.

10/19/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! Galena by the Numbers

1858: Population — approximately 14,000

1860: Population — approximately 10,000

Galena was a bustling center of commerce and industry during the mid-19th century. Its population reflected the rapid changes taking place in the community.

10/18/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! Galena’s Dowling House, built in 1826–27, was recognized as a contributing property to the Galena Historic District.

Believed to be Galena’s oldest building, the limestone home once served as a trading post and residence.

Nearly 200 years of history in one remarkable building!

10/17/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! In 1856, the Illinois Central Railroad constructed Galena’s first railroad bridge.

Railroads were changing how people and goods moved — and helping connect Galena to the wider region.

10/16/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! October 16, 1851 — Fire in Downtown Galena

Around 2:30 p.m., a fire broke out behind the Globe Hotel on Main Street.

Before the alarm could spread and firefighters could respond, the building was engulfed. The flames quickly spread through the wooden buildings along Main Street.

Galena’s history has been shaped by both its triumphs — and the challenges its citizens faced together.

10/15/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! The Ulysses S. Grant Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Built between 1859 and 1860, the home belonged to Galena resident, Civil War General, and future 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.

Address

720 Park Avenue
Galena, IL
61036

Website

https://www.galena2026.org/

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