The Old Market House - Galena, Illinois
The house was constructed in 1845-1846 in the Greek revival style. 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 first floor of the Market House was divided into 12 stalls for vendors, being charged $50 a year. The second floor housed the surveyor’s office and the city council chamber. Two jail cells were built in the basement in 1846, but a decade later it was nothing more than a "miserable hole." In 1879 the Neptune Fire Company began to store their fire engine and equipment in the south side of the building. The city marshal moved into an office in the south wing in 1883, and six years later a two story addition was added to the rear of the building. The first floor of the addition housed a new jail cell, and city records were stored on the second floor.
City markets ended about 1910, and floods accelerated the old building’s deterioration. In 1938 the city council and fire department moved to new quarters, leaving the Market House vacant. The Market House was transferred to the State of Illinois in 1947. Following its restoration in 1954 the Old Market House once again became the keystone in a town known for its architecture.
Open Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 5pm April through October. Winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday 10am - 4pm November through mid-December. Closed Monday & Tuesday. The Old Market House is closed mid-December through mid-March. The Old Market House is also closed on New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents, Veterans, General Election, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Location: 123 North Commerce Street.
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