Early windlass featured in the "Diggers, Smelters, and Steamers" Exhibit. Lead mining and steamboating built Galena. While native Americans had sporadically mined lead for thousands of years, it was the arrival of Europeans that led to the first major mineral rush in U.S. history. Our exhibits document this saga, with original mining tools displayed, along with the story of the huge river steamers that fueled the economy of a mining boom town. NEW!  Original 1830s lead mine shaft now open for viewing.  Get up close and personal with our 30' mine shaft, a remnant from the days when lead mines flourished in the very heart of present-day Galena.   Hughlett's Furnace smelting lead in the 1870's.   The same scene today.
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