Galena Historic District - Historic Significance

Historic Significance

Galena's 1858 population stood at 14,000 before the city began an era of significant decline. Many of the buildings, however, survived the ensuing time period, though in a much dilapidated state. Galena was important to the early development of the Upper Midwest, and today the town retains much of its 19th-century character. A stroll through the streets of Galena, especially during the early morning when crowds are not present, envelops one in the sights and sense of a bygone era. Galena is closely connected with its era of urban prosperity and grace that have long since been eliminated by industrialization in most American towns.

The Galena Historic District was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 1969. The National Register nomination cited the historic district's significance in multiple areas including, agriculture, mining, art and military as its reasons for its listing.