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Interesting Facts
- Although close to both Iowa and Wisconsin, Galena has its own distinct geographic charm. When glaciers were eroding the surrounding area, their path somehow steered clear of Galena, leaving it with rugged cliffs and rolling hills. Native American Indians came to think of the region as sacred and eventually named the area Manitoomie, meaning "God's country." The French later settled the Galena area in the 1600s and discovered it was rich in minerals.
- In the early 1800s this city was a mining boomtown with over 14,000 residents. In fact, the very name "Galena" means lead ore. Multiple nearby cities were also named after the industry that brought success and wealth to many area residents; Scales Mound, New Diggings and Vinegar Hill are among them.
- Although relatively small population-wise (about 3,500 residents), Galena attracts over one million visitors each year. Many come to see the many historic buildings, while others come to shop and spend over $60 million at the stores dotting the city's picturesque Main Street.
- The city of Galena generously provided the Civil War's Union Army with nine generals, including the famous Ulysses S. Grant. In fact, to honor the war hero, the city gave Grant a home on Bouthillier Street in 1865. In 1904, Grant's children gave the home back to the city, and it is now open for the public to tour.
- Each year, competitive participants from all over Jo Daviess County suit up for the Galena Triathlon and Duathlon. The triathlon starts with a 660-yard swim in Apple Canyon Lake, while the duathlon starts with a two-mile run. Both events conclude with a 17-mile bike race and a 4-mile run.
- Amazingly, about 85% of Galena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city has been expertly preserved and restored, and many of its buildings date back to the mid-1800s. A variety of architectural styles abound, including Victorian, French Colonial and Greek Revival.
- In addition to tourism, farming and agriculture are important components of Galena's economy. Jo Daviess County is home to more than 1015 farms that, combined, encompass some 290,400 acres. From year to year, cash crops can yield just over $9 million, and livestock cash receipts often total more than $63 million.
- Galena's story began in 1826, when the then rugged mining outpost was officially organized as a town. Fifteen years later, it received its charter. Appropriately enough, the area's first newspaper was named "The Miners Journal."
- The John Dowling House, located on Diagonal Street, is Galena's oldest home. It was constructed in 1826 and has been well-preserved. It also has the distinction of being the state of Illinois' oldest stone structure.
- With over 189 holes, Galena has rapidly become a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. For example, the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa boasts four courses, including the highly-rated General. In addition, the spa's South and North Courses have been rated among the top 75 resort courses in the nation and are billed among the top 10 courses in the state.
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