Galena Bed and Breakfast Establishments Give Eclectic Nod to Towns Roots
62Travel lovers would be hard pressed to find any city in the U.S. with as many bed and breakfast inns as Galena, Il. Galena bed and breakfast establishments are well-known throughout the Midwest for their colonial charm. Some might even be considered eclectic or even eccentric.
Galena, Il is a town that dates back over 300 years, although it didn't become an official city until well into the 19th century. It was, in its earlier days, most commonly associated with "galena," or lead sulfide, with which the area is rich. It is, in fact, what gave birth to the town and even gave it its name.
Native Indians were the area's original inhabitants. They were already mining lead sulfide on a small scale as early as the late 1690's. The natives extracted it mainly for personal use.
It wasn't until American settlers arrived on the scene around the beginning of the 19th century that commercial lead mining began. Lead sulfide was in great demand during this period. The town became the United State's primary supplier of lead sulfide by the mid 1800's. It provided, in fact, approximately 80 percent of all the lead in the US.
The city enjoyed several decades of prosperity thanks to the mining industry. However, when demand for lead sulfide dropped later on, the town began to decline.
City leaders knew they needed to re-invent Galena or risk economic crisis. Serious efforts to market it as a tourist town began around the 1980's.
Today Galena, Illinois is an American tourism center. Its history as mining town, its distinctive architecture and some famous former residents are what draw most of its annual visitors.
It's no accident that a number of Galena bed and breakfast establishments are located in heritage homes. Part of the efforts to re-invent the town involved granting heritage status to dozens of old homes.
A significant number of these homes date back to before the turn of the century. In fact, 85 percent of the buildings and homes in this colonial town are listed in a National Register Historic District. It has one of the highest concentrations of heritage homes and buildings in the U.S.
Tourists who choose a Galena b & b for their accommodations will undoubtedly enjoy such as stay as an event in its own right. History buffs will especially appreciate being able to extend the early American experience beyond the bedtime hour.
Visitors to a heritage Galena bed and breakfast will feel as though they have stepped back in time to the pre-Civil War era. Many of these establishments are furnished with period furniture and décor. Each establishment has something unique to offer, including manicured gardens, gazebos and specialized breakfasts. One of the town's most well-known b & b establishments even comes complete with its own "ghost."
Modern visitors need not worry about amenities, in spite of the outward appearance of these historic inns. They might look old, but they have everything a contemporary tourist needs to stay connected. Most every establishment has cable televisions, DVD players, central air and even computers and Wi-Fi tucked away amongst the roll top desks and wing-backed chairs.
In addition to these Galena b & b's, a number of the towns other heritage homes are open to the public. Some are privately owned. Others, like the Ulysses S. Grant home, are state-owned museums and offer very reasonably-priced regular public tours. The Grant Home, along with others like Market House and Washburne House offer guests an up-close look at early American life.
Galenabed and breakfast historic homes book up fast during the high tourist season. This busy season lasts from April to October each year. Travelers planning to spend a night or more in a Galena b & b are advised to book their stays in advance.
