Bucket List Travel: The Goldmoor Inn and Galena, IL

 

The Goldmoor Inn is First Choice for Those Who Love History.

Galena is a place that is, in many ways, untouched by time. As one of America’s most intact and preserved historic towns, history lovers do not want to miss the charming and unassuming Galena, IL. The town gets its name from the rich lead deposits in the area first mined by the Sac and Fox Native Americans. By the early 1800s, the Upper Mississippi Lead Mine District was established by the U.S. Congress, which paved the way for the organization of the town of Galena in 1826 which was chartered as the City of Galena in 1841.

Equally crucial to the development of Galena was its position along the Mississippi River. As the second-longest river in the country, it played a pivotal role in the nation’s development. By the 1850s, Galena was the busiest port between St. Paul and St. Louis, and elements of this history remain today.

What to Visit in Galena

Eighty-five percent of Galena’s buildings are in a National Register Historic District and were built before 1900. Many were present and visited by political figures such as Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Grant, Elihu B. Washburne, and Lincoln's close friend Edward Dickinson Baker.

The DeSoto House

In 1855 it billed itself as the “largest and most luxurious hotel in the West.” As such, it garnered much attention as a platform for political speeches. Abraham Lincoln and his political rival Stephen Douglas appeared in Galena several times, and both spoke from the second-story balcony still present today.

DeSoto House

230 S. Main St, Galena, IL 61036

Galena and U.S. Grant Museum

Another stop for the historophile is the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum. The museum is home to a treasure trove of unique historical artifacts, letters, and exhibits that tell the captivating story of Galena and the nation’s past. Among the museum’s compelling and unique objects is the “Peace in Union,” the original 9’ x 12’ painting by artist Thomas Nast depicting Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox in 1865.

Galena and U.S. Grant Museum

211 S. Bench Street, Galena, IL, 61036

The Old Blacksmith Shop

The Old Blacksmith Shop is officially part of the Galena and U.S Grant Museum and is home to tools from its 100 years of history. While it is a museum, it is also a fully operational shop with forges aflame and blacksmiths at work during the open season.

The Old Blacksmith Shop

245 N Commerce Street

Galena, IL 61036

The Goldmoor Inn’s Unique Place in History

Specially designed to be the top Galena Bed and Breakfast, the Goldmoor Inn’s location has a unique place in Galena’s history.

In the early 1800s, riverboat captains rounding the bend on the Mississippi River near Galena would look toward “Signal Point,” where steamboats just up the river could stop for fuel or firewood. Signal Point is the present site of the popularGalena hotel.

Today, the Goldmoor Inn is a beacon to visitors, travelers, and sojourners, signaling them to stop and take in all that Galena has to offer. The Galena Bed and Breakfast is ideally situated just outside the busy town which maintains the perfect balance of accessibility to attractions, shopping, and restaurants, with the tranquility of nature and unrivaled views of the Mississippi River.

Best Places to Stay in Galena, IL

Regularly rated among the best places to stay in Galena, the Goldmoor Inn is renowned for its amazing blend of ambiance, amenities, history, modernity, nature, and luxury that provide a soul-invigorating experience. It is ideally located to enjoy all of the historical attractions in Galena and surrounding communities.

For more information about booking a stay, visit the website at https://www.goldmoor.com. You can also reach helpful staff by calling (815) 777-3925.

The Goldmoor Inn is located at:

9001 W Sand Hill Rd

Galena, IL 61036