Elihu B. Washburne House - Galena, Illinois

Elihu B. Washburne House - Galena, Illinois The house was constructed in 1843 in the popular Greek Revival style. Elihu Washburne, congressman, advisor to Presidents Lincoln and Grant and then Ambassador to France lived in the house until 1882.

Today the house is a state historic site managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Greek Revival style was popular in Galena from the 1820’s to the 1860’s which is the time frame of the house being constructed.

The interior was organized into distinct formal, informal, and servant areas. The hallway separated the public and private rooms at the front of the house. Guests were received in the parlor, while the sitting room was reserved as a place for family members to read, study, and sew. The servants’ work area was confined to the rear of the home where such housekeeping functions as cooking and laundry were conducted.

The Washburne House is now open every Friday from 10am - 4pm May through October. The guided tours are given by The International Order of Questers, Galena Belles Chapter 1304.

Phone: 815-777-9406

Location: 908 Third Street.