Galena's own US Grant
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“My birth name is Hiram Ulysses Grant.”
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“I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1843.”
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“The S in my name didn't stand for anything.”
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“Mark Twain published my memoirs.”
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“I was the youngest president elected at the time.”
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“I once received a speeding ticket for driving my horse too fast through the streets of D.C.”
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“I loved to eat pickles for breakfast and my steak cooked well-done.”
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“Find my picture on any $50 bill printed after 1913.”
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1853
J.R. Grant Leather Store
Jesse Grant, father of Ulysses S. Grant, opened the J.R. Grant leather goods store in 1853. Ulysses humbly worked at the store as a clerk from 1860 to 1861. Once famous, townspeople would peer in to try to figure out which of the Grants was the victorious General. In 1863, Orvil, brother to Ulysses, formed a partnership with C.R. Perkins and opened the Grant & Perkins leather store, now home to a retail shop, one can browse modern-day items at 103 N. Main Street.
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1860
Arrival to Galena
In April of 1860, Grant, Julia, and the four children arrived in Galena aboard the Mississippi steamer Itasca. The newcomers fell in love with the affluent town and established residence at 121 S. High Street, perched above the Galena River and bustling business district. Grant and Julia rented their new home for $100 per year.
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1860
Cigar, Bow ties, and boot at the Museum
Explore the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum to learn about Grant's relationships with his fellow Galenians. See one of Grant's boots, a bowtie, his cigar and a mock-up of the leather goods store in which he got his start.
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1860
First Methodist Church
The oldest Methodist church in Northern Illinois, Grant and his family worshiped here from 1860 through 1863. The historic church features 12 original stained-glass windows, a restored 1880s Moline pipe organ and the pew that the Grant family occupied is noted with a plaque and an American flag.
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1861
Grant Joins Civil War
Once the plea for volunteers reached Galena, a band of soldiers was recruited by John Rawlins, Elihu Washburne, William Rowley, and lead by Grant himself. The regiment, named the Jo Daviess Guards, was celebrated with an outpouring of patriotic ardor, as they marched to the train station, bound for Springfield. The Old Train Depot still stands today, at 101 Bouthiller St.
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1861
Nine Generals
The only destination home to nine civil war generals! Discover more history on Augustus Chetlain, John Duer, Ely S. Parker, John Rawlins, William Rowley, John Carson Smith, John Eugene Smith, Jasper Maltby, and Ulysses S. Grant with a visit to the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum.
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1864
Lieutenant General
In March of 1864, President Lincoln elevated Grant to the rank of Lieutenant-General, a rank previously reserved for George Washington.
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1865
Grant Home
On August 18, 1865, the citizens of Galena greeted the return of its victorious General with a grand celebration. "After a glorious triumphal ride around the hills and valleys, so brilliant with smiles and flowers, we were conducted to a lovely villa exquisitely furnished with everything good taste could desire." - Julia Grant Discover more with a tour of the beautiful home or explore the historic district via Trolley Tour.
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1865
Peace in Union
On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in the Village of Appomattox Court House. This pivotal moment in history was depicted by Thomas Nast in the 9'x12' Peace in Union painting, a must-see in the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum.
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1868
Elihu Washburne House
Elihu Washburne was a prominent Galena attorney, a U.S. Congressman, and political advisor and friend to Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Tour his home located on 908 Third Street to discover where Grant learned he had won the Presidency!
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1868
DeSoto House Hotel Presidential Campaign
Being the oldest operating hotel in the State of Illinois, the DeSoto House Hotel packs a punch when it comes to history. Not only has the hotel hosted notable guests such as Mrs. Tom Thumb and Abraham Lincoln, but Ulysses S. Grant ran his presidential campaign from rooms 209 and 211.
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1869
Grant Sworn in as President
On March 4, 1869, Grant was sworn in as the 18th President of the United States. He served two consecutive terms and is most celebrated for his fight for civil rights and the ratification of the fifteenth amendment.
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1904
Grant Home Donated
In 1904, Grant's children gave the house to the City of Galena "with the understanding that this property is to be kept as a memorial to the late General Ulysses S. Grant, and for no other purpose." The home, featuring mostly original furnishings, is now owned by the State and is open year-round for tours.
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2006
Julia Dent Grant Statue
The first First Lady to ever be filmed and defender of human rights is one of few First Ladies to have a statue. Find Julia's statue at 500 Bouthillier St., overlooking the beautiful city of Galena.
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Grant's Birthday Bash
Join us in April for a weekend-long celebration of the birthday of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant! Check the events calendar for more information!