Dowling House: Galena's Oldest Tale

The Dowling House, located at 220 Diagonal Street in Galena, Illinois, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built in 1826 by John Dowling, it is not only Galena's oldest house but also the oldest stone structure in Illinois. This simple, two-story limestone building originally served as both the Dowling family's home and a bustling trading post.In its early days, the Dowling House was the only trading post in Galena, catering to fur traders and other travelers. The first floor was dedicated to the trading post, while the Dowling family resided upstairs. John Dowling was a prominent figure in early Galena, contributing to the fire committee in 1834 and serving on the town board of trustees in 1838. His son, Nicholas, also played a role in the town's leadership, serving as an alderman and later as mayor.After the decline of Galena's lead mining operations, the Dowling House was abandoned for many years. However, it was resurrected in the 1960s and opened as a historic house museum in the 1970s. Today, visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour of the house, which is furnished with historically accurate items and artifacts. The tour includes the original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and a glimpse into the 19th-century living quarters. The Dowling House is open seasonally for tours from May to October.