Haunted Houses Near Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is full of history and ghosts. In the 1850s, this sleepy little town was a hub of activity thanks to the lead industry. When the lead ran out, mines closed down and the town's residents moved to the next boomtown. Galena has a reputation for being very haunted; nearly every building in the town reportedly has a ghost or two lurking about.
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DeSoto House Hotel
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Many notable personalities have stayed in the DeSoto House, including Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. The house now is a hotel where more than the employees have reportedly seen the spirits that inhabit rooms. Guests report strange happenings in their rooms, from lights and televisions turning on by themselves to hearing unexplained noises. Apparitions from several different eras reportedly walk the hallways and disappear through walls.
DeSoto House Hotel
230 South Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-0090
desotohouse.com
Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
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Built in 1858, this home was the showpiece of a wealthy businessman and is currently a historical society and museum. Visitors and employees have reported the feeling of being watched while looking at the exhibits, some have even heard footsteps following them. Other paranormal activity experienced in the house includes a chandelier that swings on its own and objects that either shake or move without explanation.
Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
211 South Bench St.
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-9129
galenahistorymuseum.org -
Farmers' Guest House
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Farmer's Guest House was built in 1867 and was a favorite place to spend the night for farmers who came to town to buy or sell goods at market. The resident spirits allegedly frighten unsuspecting visitors and guests of to the house. One guest claimed to have his room door locked and unlocked while he was in bed trying to sleep. Other guests have encountered the smell of a tobacco pipe when no smoking is allowed in the building. Once used as a bakery, the building sometimes smells of freshly baked bread.
Farmers' Guest House
334 Spring St.
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-3456
galenabedandbreakfast.com
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ghost bridge image by Colette MacDonald from Fotolia.com
