Galena’s hopes and dreams of being the “finest city of the West” were lost. Until now! Galena has fought hard to reclaim the title. Like many another mining community, Galena finds her greatest solace in a glory that is past.
I was born and raised in Galena and have happily called Galena home for my entire life. I have fond memories as a child strolling down quiet Main Street in the 60’s. All the shop keepers would know my name, along with the name of every other child in Galena. They even knew who our parents were, so heaven forbid if we misbehaved! To me, life in Galena was like a Norman Rockwell painting, typical of small town, rural America.
Galena has always been a proud community, and in 1965, the local Historic District and Historic Advisory Board was established. One by one, homes and buildings have been restored to their original splendor, bricks have been tuck pointed, houses lovingly refurbished and repainted. Restoration of Main Street and historic buildings was in full swing in the 1980’s. The Galena Historic District encompasses 85% of the city and includes more than 800 properties.
Today Galena is a prosperous and friendly city supported by its surrounding rich farm lands. The soldiers, miners, and river boat captains have been replaced by tourists. The city is a mecca for artists and travelers drawn by the lure of many fine examples of early Illinois architecture-- the old homes of soft, rose and apricot-colored brick, the early churches of native stone, the quaint cottages, grand mansions, and historic public buildings.
In Alfie Mueller’s historic photo collection, I happened upon two photos that are very dear to me. As a tribute to my grandparents, I have included a picture of my Grandmother Wilhelmi (on the end wearing the black coat) and my Grandfather Muehleip at his John Deere dealership on Main Street. Two of my uncles are also in that photo.
If you are staying for a few days, I would like to encourage you to visit Casper Bluffs if you are interested in the Native Americans that inhabited this area. Casper Bluffs is an 85 acre site that contains the Aiken Mound Group named for the nearby community of Aiken. On this site have been documented 51 burial mounds: 38 are long, wall-like structures; 12 are conical mounds; and one is the only known existing Thunderbird effigy mound in Illinois. Spectacular views of the Mississippi River and its backwater sloughs can be seen from the bluffs and mowed hiking trails. The Casper Bluff address is: 870 S. Pilot Knob Rd., Galena, Illinois. To reach Casper Bluff from downtown Galena, take Blackjack Road towards Chestnut Mountain. Follow Blackjack for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto W. Hart John road. Continue for one mile to Pilot Knob Road. Turn right and look for the red and yellow marker sign.
