A quiet town of historical and architectural interest set on terraces cut by the old Fever River, Galena was once a major crossroads for French exploration of the New World and the commercial and cultural capital of the Northwest Territory. Deposits of lead were discovered in the region by the mid-18th century; when the town was laid out, it was named for the ore. By 1845, the area was producing nearly all the nation's lead, and Galena was the richest and most important city in the state. With wealth came opulence; the grand mansions standing today were built on fortunes acquired from the lead and steamboat businesses. However, the mining of lead peaked just before the outbreak of the Civil War. After the war, the city's importance declined rapidly. Although Galena's sympathies were divided at the outbreak of the Civil War, two companies were formed to support the Union. Ulysses S. Grant, who had recently come to Galena from St. Louis, Missouri, accompanied local troops to Springfield as drillmaster.

The town has changed little since the middle of the last century. To walk the streets of Galena today is to take a step back in time. The 19th-century architecture varies from Federal to Greek Revival and from Italianate to Queen Anne. Ninety percent of the town's buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A favorite destination of weekend travelers from surrounding areas, especially Chicago, Galena is also a mecca for antique hunters and specialty shoppers.