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 Old Market House - Galena, Illinois Posted by:  iconions
N 42° 24.950 W 090° 25.646
15T E 711667 N 4699153
The Old Market House is a two-story red brick Greek Revival building located at 123 North Commerce Street in Galena, Illinois.
Waymark Code: WM10XVP
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 07/08/2019
Views: 1
Constructed in 1845-1846, was the focal point of community life during Galena’s heyday. The Greek revival Old Market House sheltered vendors and shoppers, who gathered in the heart of the river city’s business district until 1910. Ownership of the building was transferred to the State of Illinois in 1947, and the Old Market House was restored in 1955. Today the Old Market House State Historic Site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and is the scene of many changing exhibits, meetings and special events.
The Old Market House also happens to be home to Galena Area’s Welcome Center where visitors can learn more about attractions, events and things to do in the area.
- VisitGalena.org Website
Built of red brick with stone lintels and wood trim and cornices. The central portion is two stories high, with the town council chamber on the second floor and offices below. The wings hold the large market halls, with colonnaded porches on both sides and a wide pedimented roof. The total effect is extremely interesting in its contrasts of color and of form, and even the cupola that crowns it has a definite individuality in the handling of the pedimentlike parapets with corner acroteria and a square dome above them.
It (Old Market House) was used as a public market house, city council chamber, city jail, and gathering place for local organizations, and was in the custody of a market master. 1910 marked the end of its use as a market house and for the next 26 years it was occupied by the city government and fire department. After being threatened with destruction, the historic building was sold by the City of Galena to the State of Illinois in 1947. Presently maintained by the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division of Parks and Memorials, it has been restored to its exterior appearance of 1846 and houses historical and architectural exhibits.
- National Register Application
Current name: Galena Welcome Center/Old Market House
Architect: Thomas Blish, Architect
Builder: H. J. Stouffer, Builder
Style: Greek Revival. Cupola; Wings
Historical Summary: Market stalls were located on the lower level. The City Council Chamber was on the second level.
Architectural Description: This is a 2-story meetinghouse in the Greek Revival style built in 1845-46. The foundation is limestone. Exterior walls are brick; wood clapboard/siding. The building has a side and front gable roof clad in metal. Windows are original or historic wood 6/6 fixed; double. The porch is original, Full-width, one-story; Wood materials; Classical supports. Doors are original or historic wood paneled.
- ruskinarc.com Historic Architecture Survey Database
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Daily 9-5
Admission Prices:
Free
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Up to 1 hour
Transportation options to the attraction: Not listed
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