Ryan Mansion, Galena's Largest Historic Mansion

As a town rooted deeply in both history and American culture, Galena is one of the richest settings in all of Abraham Lincoln's home state of Illinois when it comes to not only a Civil War era legacy, but the bold statements of the early American Midwest. The Ryan Mansion was built in 1876 by millionaire James M. Ryan. This Italianate mansion was built in 1876. It is a bed and breakfast today, called the Ryan Mansion Guest House.

The 24-room historic mansion features 10 private baths, 12 marble fireplaces and parquet floors plus beautiful 19th century architecture and furnishings. The old mansion still has the original imported handmade Czechoslovakian ruby glass windows and nine of the twelve coal-burning fireplaces with original marble hearths. Just like stepping back into a bygone era, the Mansion's spiral staircases and 10 foot high ceilings inspire a sense of time and place that those who appreciate genuine beauty.

All of this is located a short way from the town of Galena itself where visitors will find a host of shops along the clean main street that cater to art lovers, toy fans, book collectors, antique enthusiasts and nearly anyone who appreciates a selection of high quality goods that small town America is so well known for.

Image Credit: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.