Dowling House, Historic house on Diagonal Street in Galena, United States.
Dowling House is a limestone building from early American construction featuring a simple architectural design with functional rooms, large windows, and a symmetrical front. The structure was originally used as both a residence and a trading post.
The building was constructed between 1826 and 1827, making it the oldest structure in Galena and the sixteenth oldest in the entire state. Its creation marks the earliest period of the region's settlement and development.
The Dowling family shaped local governance, with members serving on municipal committees and in official positions. This connection to Galena's early leadership remains part of how visitors understand the town's foundational families.
The house can be visited through guided tours that provide insight into period furnishings and early daily life. Plan to spend time exploring the downtown location during the warmer months when it is typically open.
The building sat abandoned for decades before undergoing complete restoration in the 1960s that brought it back to life. This revival allowed it to be preserved as a museum and opened to visitors.
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