Completed in 1859, Galena's US Marine Hospital is an architectural and historical marvel that has never been fully utilized.  Constructed as a maritime hospital, it opened its doors in 1861, just as war broke out and the Mississippi River was blockaded by the south slowing river traffic to a trickle.  It closed in 1866 after the Galena River was no longer navigable by large vessels.

Since then, many have sought to utilize the structure, as an inn, a sanitarium, a private home, and an event center.  Some ideas failed to materialize at all while others floundered.

Read all about the history of Galena's US Marine Hospital in Dr. Daryl Watson's report.  Dr Watson is a former City of Galena Administrator, former Director of the Galena Historical Society and Museum, and an expert on Galena's history.

On this site, we will post historical photographs and imagery as we accumulate it.  If you have any items to share, please share them!

The marine hospital is currently owned by a private firm wishing to restore the structure and turn the property into a resort with vineyard, event center, cottages, and walking trails.  For more information, click on The Parker.