The town of Galena, Illinois is located along the Galena River, which is one tributaries of the Mississippi River. The city gets its name from the mineral, galena, which is a natural form of lead sulfide and the most important lead ore mineral. Galena was the home of United States President Ulysses S. Grant and many other war generals, entertainers and politicians.
Eighty-five percent of the structures in Galena are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is a very popular tourist attraction which welcomes some one million people annually. Galena is also a spot where many wealthy Chicagoans have vacation homes. Some people consider Galena, Illinois to be the "town that time forgot'', because of the many old buildings which helps the town retain its historical appeal.
The mansion was built in the heyday of Galena's opulent era of steamboats and strip mining. J. Russell Jones, commissioned the mansion to be built in the dawn of the Civil War era, the mansion consists of 5,000 square feet and 22 rooms, all with lavish decorations that exemplify the splendor of days long gone. The home is designed in an Italianate style and the rooms are filled with antiques and there is a beautiful garden on the grounds.
The Belvedere Mansion in was built in 1857 at a cost of $30,000.00. Today, it is one of the finest mansions in Galena, Illinois. Originally intended to be used as a residence for the Ambassador to Belgium J. Russell Jones, the structure is currently a private residence. There are many interesting things about the mansion and some people even claim the mansion to be haunted.
The home has well-defined blocks of various levels and elevations. The roofs set low and are pitched overhangs for support and a typical off center, belvedere, hence the meaning behind its name. J. Russell Jones lived in the house for approximately four years, after which time the mansion stood empty for a number of years. Throughout the years, several owners have painstakingly restored and decorated the home into what the mansion has become presently.
Among the many things to see in mansion are Liberace's silver and Bou'lle, President Roosevelt's library suite, the green parlor draperies from the movie set of "Gone with the Wind'' and a set of unique Belter chairs that have presidential carvings on the back, which were believed to have belonged to confederate President Jefferson Davis. The mansion is opened to the public during the months of May through November, and no reservations are required. The tour begins on the eloquent Victorian porch and the owners will take visitors throughout each room of the mansion, the entire tour takes approximately half an hour and is combined with another historical home known as Dowling House. Guests are welcome to tour both historical homes for a nominal fee and at the conclusion of the tour are given a ticket to commemorate the occasion.
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