Galena 2026

Galena 2026 Galena, Illinois will celebrate her bicentennial in 2026 with a series of events throughout the year and special attention to other events.

200 Years, Endless Facts! On September 1, 1862, Galena’s firefighters were called to the DeSoto House to es**rt the Ryan...
09/01/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! On September 1, 1862, Galena’s firefighters were called to the DeSoto House to es**rt the Ryan Guards as they departed for Camp Douglas in Chicago.

Locals gathered as Galena’s young men left home to serve during the Civil War..

Galena’s history is filled with moments when ordinary citizens stepped forward during extraordinary times.

The Shucking Champions! Congratulations Einsweilers! You set a record that can't be broken for another 200 years!
09/01/2026

The Shucking Champions! Congratulations Einsweilers! You set a record that can't be broken for another 200 years!

GRAND REUNION STATSIt's clear not everyone who attended the Corn Boil found or signed the yearbook, but here are the sta...
09/01/2026

GRAND REUNION STATS

It's clear not everyone who attended the Corn Boil found or signed the yearbook, but here are the statistics:

First Class: 1953, 1 signature (73 years ago!)
Last Class: 2035, 1 signature (9 years from now!).. a span of 82 years!
Most Signatures: Tie, Class of 1968 & Class of 1991, 12 signatures
Third place: Class of 1974, 11 signatures
Class Mottos:
"We're great! We're fun! We're the Class of '71!"
"We're the best! We're great! We're the Class of '68!"
"We're the Class that you'll adore, we're the Class of 1974!"

Thank you to all who signed the book! It will be digitized and place into the time capsule for future Galenians to enjoy 100 years from now!

200 Years, Endless Facts! Remembering Ely S. Parker: Engineer, General, and StatesmanOn August 31, 1895, Ely S. Parker—b...
08/31/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! Remembering Ely S. Parker: Engineer, General, and Statesman

On August 31, 1895, Ely S. Parker—born Ha-sa-no-an-da, later known as Donehogawa of the Seneca Nation—passed away in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Parker's remarkable life intersected with Galena in important ways. After studying engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he supervised federal construction projects in Galena, including work on the U.S. Customs House and Post Office. It was here that he became friends with Ulysses S. Grant.

During the Civil War, Parker served as Grant's military secretary. He was present at Appomattox Court House in April 1865 and personally drafted the official surrender documents signed by General Robert E. Lee documents that remain in Parker's own handwriting.

After the war, Parker was promoted to brigadier general and later became the first Native American to serve as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, appointed by President Grant in 1869.

Before becoming an engineer, Parker hoped to become a lawyer but was denied the opportunity to take the New York bar examination because, as a member of the Seneca Nation, he was not legally recognized as a U.S. citizen.

Today, Ely S. Parker is remembered not only as one of Galena's nine Civil War generals, but also as a trailblazing engineer, military officer, diplomat, and public servant whose life bridged cultures and changed American history.

200 Years, Endless Facts! Tourism Is Part of Galena's StoryLong before heritage tourism became a major part of Galena's ...
08/31/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! Tourism Is Part of Galena's Story

Long before heritage tourism became a major part of Galena's economy, local residents recognized the value of sharing the city's history.

In a letter published in the Galena Advertiser in 1944, poet Thomas J. McCarthy encouraged residents to welcome visitors and embrace tourism, writing:

"...the tourist wants to share our treasure and his interest prompts him to ask questions and we must learn more about our history to answer him intelligently that's advertising."

His words still ring true today. Every conversation about Galena's history helps preserve it for future generations while sharing the community's unique story with visitors from around the world. Learn more about Thomas McCarthy here: https://library.biblioboard.com/collection/ebcbf4b5-eb54-4204-818f-a77c82bc00db

Congratulations to those Shucking Einswielers, who shucked 400 ears of corn in just over 14 minutes! Here are some of t...
08/31/2026

Congratulations to those Shucking Einswielers, who shucked 400 ears of corn in just over 14 minutes! Here are some of the other teams that participated, some very creative names!

Thank you to all the teams! We couldn't have shucked it all without you!

A Fabulous time was had by all at the Bicentennial Corn Boil! Thank you Volunteers! Without you, this event would not ...
08/31/2026

A Fabulous time was had by all at the Bicentennial Corn Boil! Thank you Volunteers! Without you, this event would not have been possible!

Whoever took Petey and the Galena banner from the Grand Reunion, please contact us so we can get it back to the Galena Schools! Your cooperation is appreciated! (the police have cameras in the park, please save them the trouble!)

Thank you!
Andy Willis

200 Years, Endless Facts! Did you enjoy the return of the Corn Boil yesterday?The first Corn Boil was held on August 31,...
08/30/2026

200 Years, Endless Facts! Did you enjoy the return of the Corn Boil yesterday?

The first Corn Boil was held on August 31, 1947 at Hughlett's Bottom on Dewey Avenue by the VFW. An estimated "800 persons" attended. The festivities moved to Recreation Park the next year where they remained until 1967. See more pictures here: https://www.galena2026.org/corn-boiled/

Share you pictures from yesterday or years past in the comments!

Address

720 Park Avenue
Galena, IL
61036

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Galena 2026 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category