“Forced to resign from the Army for excessive drinking, he failed as a farmer and a businessman. Not until he volunteered for the Civil War did things change. He was promoted to brigadier general, captured Fort Henry and Vicksburg, and won Union control of the Mississippi. Lincoln placed him over the entire Army and within a year he forced Lee to surrender. His name was Ulysses S. Grant, born APRIL 27, 1822. As 18th President, Grant stated: “It seems fitting that on the occurrence of the hundredth anniversary of our existence as a nation, a grateful acknowledgment should be made to Almighty God for the protection and the bounties which He has vouchsafed to our beloved country.” In his 2nd Annual Message, December 5, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant wrote: “Such religious denominations as had heretofore established missionaries among the Indians, and perhaps to some other denominations who would undertake the work on the same terms-i.e., as a missionary work…The societies selected are allowed to name their own agents…and are expected to watch over them and aid them as missionaries, to Christianize and civilize the Indians, and to train him in the arts of peace.”" Source: William J Federer’s American Minute

Beautiful Chestnut Mountain is just a short drive away – check the map on the directions tab – and cross country skiing trails abound at Eagle Ridge…

“Galena, Illinois is probably the most famous, but there are many others, most named after the mineral. Long-time historical society member Ed Ganshirt has been collecting Galenas. Here’s a sampling of what he has found.” Source: Back

There may be many Galenas, but none are prettier than ours. Go to the source to read the whole article — it’s worth it!

“The neat little town of GALENA, a few miles short of both Iowa and Wisconsin in the far northwest corner of Illinois, can have changed little since its nineteenth-century heyday. Thanks to its sheltered location just a few miles up the Galena River, it was a major port of call for Mississippi River steamboats. These days the only traffic it gets are the day-trippers who come to admire the gentle crescent of Main Street, tucked in behind an immaculate grassy levee. Its impeccable redbrick facades and graceful skyline of spires and crosses place it among the most attractive river towns in the US. With the aid of the free Galenian guide from the visitor center, you can spend an enjoyable few hours on a walking tour of the various historic sites along both Main Street and Bench Street. The latter is squeezed onto a steep bluff above Main street.

Galena boasts of having contributed nine generals to the Union army during the Civil War, much the most significant of whom was Ulysses Simpson Grant. Grant moved to the town in 1860, working as a clerk in a leather store owned by his father and operated by his two brothers. Some contemporary accounts speak of him as the town lush, the kind of person decent folk crossed the street to avoid. However, his West Point education encouraged the townspeople to appoint him as colonel when they raised the 21st Illinois regiment on the outbreak of war. When he came home, in August 1865, it was as overall commander of the victorious army.” Source: Galena Tourism : Introduction to Galena, IL – Yahoo! Travel

Chuck’s great-grandfather had a brother-in-law, Anton Kirschbaum, who had a tailor shop in town. He made all of the uniforms for the generals and the inauguration suit for Grant when he was elected president…

“The Rough Guide to the USA co-author Greg Ward is the sole panelist whose choices drifted wholly away from the eastern seaboard. Among the traveler writer’s pretty-town favorites are Springdale, Utah, situated near Zion National Park, and Galena, Illinois, which Ward describes as a “peaceful, verdant” town that “seems barely changed since local boy Ulysses S. Grant was elected president in 1868.” ” Source: America’s Prettiest Towns – ForbesTraveler.com

…and Teddy Bear Place is one of the best ways to experience it. Please view our gallery of photos, check the calendar, and make a date to experience one of the 10 prettiest towns in America!

There is a time to work and a time to rest! – I’m so grateful for the opportunity to rest in your special condo – we had fun shopping, eating out and sitting.  We found a little time to “trim the weeds” outside so the view is slightly improved.  Thanks again – I’ll take home to West DesMoines the feeling of peace I find so easily here!

God Bless,

Elnor

For years I have been hearing about the wonderful town of Galena, Illinois. (10 years to be exact!)  I finally had an opportunity to travel from my home in California to stay in Teddy Bear Place.  It has lived up to evey expectation!  The moment I walked in the door I felt the peace and love that resides in this home. (it’s just not a condo!) I immediately felt relaxed and blessed to be alive!  Thank you for the fond memories.  I will recommend it to all my friends in California! With much love,

Beth P

Santa Monica, California