Visit a bygone era where steamboating and lead mining once ruled the day. Step back in time; explore a region that was home to nine Civil War generals and a United States President.

Gain additional insight into the hearts and minds of people who founded this area. Some of early America’s most famous architectural styles including Italianate, Greek Revival and Queen Anne abound throughout Galena and Jo Daviess County. Hardworking immigrants who came from far and near to mine their fortunes in lead ore left behind a visual feast of stately 19th century architecture.

In the county’s northern-most corner nestled on a Mississippi River bluff is East Dubuque’s Gramercy Park, the final resting place of the area’s first inhabitant. The park’s 26 burial mounds (circa 100AD-500BC) honor departed members of the Hopewell Nation.

Nearby in Galena, learn the early lead mining methods that made the city famous. View an original 1830s mineshaft at the Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum. The historic structure also displays mining artifacts, Civil War memorabilia and rare photographs and paintings, including Thomas Nast’s famous “Peace in Union.”

Tour Galena’s historic sites with the assistance of a guide. Take a narrated trolley tour or pick up a self-guided walking tour map of downtown from Galena’s Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center. Each tour will expose Galena’s vintage charm.

Meander the winding Stagecoach Trail from Galena to Warren – a section of the Chicago-Galena Frink and Walker Stagecoach line. Along the way, catch a breath at “the top of Illinois” with a visit to Scales Mound where nearby Charles Mound towers to a 1,235-foot elevation and holds the distinction as Illinois’ highest point. Then come back to earth with a visit to Scales Mound’s downtown, where one hundred percent of the village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the edge of the county visit the Warren Historical Society Museum’s latest exhibit and stop off at the Warren Community Building, a pre-Civil War structure that was once a stagecoach trail stop.

Jo Daviess County’s U.S. 20 swings back west at Stockton where the newly restored Stockton Historical Museum commands a stop. Then, in Elizabeth, visit the Apple River Fort State Historic Site where settlers once heroically fought Black Hawk and his band of warriors; mingle with living history volunteers who recreate fort life. Across Elizabeth’s Main Street, hop aboard and view the extensive collection of Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum memorabilia.