A Galena Bed And Breakfast Or Galena Hotel: More Than Just Places To Sleep

Tourists to the city of Galena, Illinois should consider an overnight stay in a Galena bed and breakfast or hotel. Visitors who do will likely experience a much greater appreciation for the colorful history that makes it such a dynamic and appealing destination.

Galena, Illinois was founded in 1826, although its earliest inhabitants first settled the area in the late 1600's. It was an important trade center due to its location between St. Louis and on the Mississippi River.

Later it became a primary lead mining town. It is, in fact, where the town got its name. "Galena" is the name for lead sulfide, the type of lead found in the area.

Demand for lead sulfide dropped significantly in the mid-19th century. As the demand continued to decline, many of the town's residents left for other places where work was available. The population of the town dropped from 14,000 to under 4,000 in the span of 150 years.

Today its regular population stands at around 3,500. However, this small town has found a big place in the tourism industry, thanks to its historical significance.

The city was once home to nine different Civil War generals. The most famous of these was General Ulysses S. Grant. Grant's home has been restored and is a designated historic site and popular tourist attraction today.

The city's core was built largely during the mid 1800's. Thanks to a string of fires that had previously plagued the town, a new decree was issued that new structures were to be made from brick or stone.

Many of these original brick and stone buildings still stand today. It is this unique architecture that so many tourists find charming and quaint. Due to its appeal to tourists and ambience for residents, about 85 percent of the city's total area has been designated as a Historic District.

A number of the town's beautiful brick estate homes have been turned into businesses that cater to tourists. A significant number are home to quaint, old-world style Galena bed and breakfasts and hotels.

Travelers to the area should plan for at least one overnight stay in one of these. Some historic homes-turned-accommodations include the Ryan Mansion, the Annie Wiggins Guest House, the Felt Manor Guest House and the Belle Aire Mansion, plus many others.

They offer guests more than a clean room and a peaceful night's sleep. They offer an authentic Civil War era experience.

Homes and other buildings must meet and adhere to strict criteria in order to receive a historic site designation. The owners of these Galena bed and breakfasts and hotels have taken great pains to carefully restore them to their former splendor.

Everything from decorations, to furniture to floors and walls provide guests with a genuine taste of the past. Visitors will feel as though they have traveled back in time.

While Mississippi River travel through Galena, Illinois has dwindled since its heyday, the city is still an ideal "crossroads." It is located off of US 20 in the northwestern corner of the state.

It is an ideal stop-over for anyone traveling between the neighboring states of Iowa and Wisconsin. It also lies close to the border of Minnesota.

Galena's hotels and bed and breakfasts have enjoyed an upsurge of business since the 1980's. This is when efforts began in earnest to encourage tourism as a means for boosting the town's economy.

Today it welcomes thousands of annual visitors who come not just for the charm, but also for the hospitality. Those who spend a night or a weekend come away feeling as though they escaped to times past.