Jo Daviess County

Jo Daviess County is a county in northwestern Illinois featuring rolling hills and valleys formed during the last ice age. Galena serves as its administrative center and houses the 581-acre historic district with buildings representing different eras.

The county was established in 1827 and named after Joseph Hamilton Daviess, with lead mining attracting settlers and driving rapid growth. The mineral deposits had been used earlier by Native American tribes before European miners developed the region.

The Galena Historic District displays buildings from different periods that reflect how people lived across generations in this community. The streets themselves tell stories of a vibrant past when craftspeople and merchants shaped the town's character.

The Galena River Trail connects multiple attractions throughout the county and offers access points for cycling, walking, and nature observation. The best time to explore is between spring and autumn, when weather is mild and paths remain easily accessible.

The region produced 87 percent of America's lead output in 1852, a dominance driven by the richness of local deposits. This advantage waned as other areas developed their own mining operations and new extraction methods emerged.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1827

Capital city: Galena

Shares border with: Lafayette County, Stephenson County, Carroll County, Jackson County, Dubuque County, Grant County

Website: http://jodaviess.org

GPS coordinates: 42.36000,-90.21000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:51