Clarissa Emely Gear Hobbs was born to Ezekiah Gear, an early Galena settler, miner, and politician who helped found and build the Grace Episcopal Church.  But Clarissa did not just live in the shadow of her larger than life father…(more)

A doctor and women’s rights advocate, Sarah Coates Harris was truly a woman ahead of her time. (more…)

Charles Sheerer was Galena mayor and postmaster, but he is best known for Turner Hall (click for more…)

Adele Marie-Antoinette Gratiot was born in Galena on November 12, 1826.  She is notable for many reasons (more…)

Hezekiah Gear arrived in Galena in 1827.  He boasted of being a veteran of the Navy and being aboard the USS Lawrence during the battle of Lake Erie.  (more…)

Galena was briefly named “January’s Point” after Thomas January.  There are several accounts of Thomas January’s arrival found in the early Galena newspaper archives giving dates from 1819 to 1826 for his arrival, but 1821 seems to be the most credible. (more…)