Galena, IL is well known for its wealth of history and must-visit historical sites. Fascinating and popular attractions like the U.S. Grant History Museum and House, the Elihu B. Washburne House, and the Belvedere Mansion. None have seen as much history, however, as The Dowling House, Galena’s oldest house.

The Galena area was first settled by Europeans in the 1690s, after French trappers discovered lead in the area. The city of Galena was founded in 1826, the same year that The Dowling House was built. By 1828, Galena was the lead mining capital of the world and home to an estimated 10,000 people. It was the wealthiest city in the State of Illinois and a major commercial port on the upper Mississippi.

Most buildings in Galena at that time were sturdy, shuttered limestone or brick structures that were built to last. That’s certainly the case with The Dowling House. It’s not only the oldest house in Galena but also the oldest stone structure in Illinois!

The Dowling House

John Dowling, one of Galena’s important, early residents, built the house shortly after arriving in Galena in 1826. The simple, two-story, single-pen style, limestone structure served as both a home to the Dowlings and a busy trading post for fur traders and others in the area.

Galena’s lead mining operations were the United States’ first major mineral rush. When the mines gave out, Galena’s population retracted. The once busy Dowling House was abandoned and sat empty for decades. It was resurrected in the 1960’s and opened to the public as a historic house museum in the 1970’s.

Galena’s oldest house is open seasonally for guided tours, May to November. Visitors can enjoy a 30 minute tour of the building, complete with historically accurate furnishings and artifacts. You’ll view the house’s original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and a well-to-do, 19th century trader’s living quarters.

The Dowling House is located at 220 Diagonal Street, in Galena’s downtown historic district. Enjoy a discount when you combine your tour of this historic house with a visit to the nearby Belvedere Mansion.

Best of all, it’s all less than 15 minutes drive from Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages, our Galena bed and breakfast! Spend some time exploring Galena’s rich history, then it’s just a quick jaunt to the serene and secluded grounds of our nature lover’s inn.

Visit www.belvederemansionandgardens.com to learn more. You can also find The Dowling House on Facebook.