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"We applaud the National Trust for
recognizing Galena as a historic jewel," said Maynard Crossland,
director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which
administers two historic sites in Galena and one in nearby
Elizabeth. "By placing Galena on this prestigious list, the
National Trust is encouraging people from across the nation to
visit this city and be inspired by its history and architecture."
The National Trust's fifth annual
"Dozen Distinctive Destinations" list encourages people to make
these communities alternate vacation destinations because they
symbolize an increasing dedication to historic preservation and
celebrate the unique heritage of the people and places that
established our diverse nation.
Galena, located at the far
northwestern corner of Illinois, boasts a population of 3,600 and
appears to have been lifted right out of the mid-1800s, with its
spectacular architecture nestled among postcard-perfect hills.
Among its top tourist attractions are the Ulysses S. Grant Home,
which was presented in 1865 to the famous Galena resident and
future U.S. president when he returned home from the Civil War,
and the Old Market House, the 1846 commercial and government
building in the center of town. Both are open for free public
tours Wednesday through Sunday and are operated by the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency.
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A short distance down the road is the
reconstructed Apple River Fort in Elizabeth, scene of an 1830s
Black Hawk War battle. It is also open Wednesday through Sunday
and is operated by Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Other communities on this year's
National Trust list are: Astoria, Ore.; Glenwood Springs, Colo.;
Guthrie, Okla.; Lewisburg, W.Va.; Macon, Ga.; Marshall, Mich.;
Napa, Calif.; New Paltz, N.Y.; Newport, R.I.; Oberlin, Ohio; and
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The National Trust for Historic
Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization
dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. For more information,
visit their website at
www.nationaltrust.org.
The
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency operates more than 60
historic sites and memorials, develops history education programs
and publications for elementary to postgraduate students and
teachers, operates the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum, and oversees state and federal historic preservation
programs in Illinois. For more information, visit
www.Illinois-History.gov.
[Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency
news release] |
