Once a dying lead mining town, Galena, Il is a thriving tourist city today. It's especially popular with American historians. However, its lush golf courses and contemporary day spas also draw tourists needing rest and relaxation. Many of the town's annual visitors choose to stay in one of the historic Galena bed and breakfast homes.

The town has a fascinating history. Its Civil War ties are especially colorful. It is its Civil War link that is celebrated in its culture and business.

The town rests on rich lead sulfide (known as "galena") deposits. These deposits were common knowledge at least as far back as the Sac and Fox Native Americans of the 1600's. They mined it on a small scale, traded it and even used it as body paint.

Later the area was inhabited by French settlers. They, too, began mining the lead. Within 100 years or so, American settlers moved in. Large-scale lead mining began to take place. The town quickly sprang up and was ultimately named for its prized metal.

The town enjoyed several decades of prosperity, thanks to the demand for lead. It was the US's leading supplier at one point.

Eventually lead's toxic properties became widely known. The demand for lead in the US began to drop. It was replaced by other metals in manufacturing. In time, the town's mining industry declined significantly.

With the reduction in production and the closing of mines, the town's population declined. The city was all but abandoned in the early 21st century when town leaders devised a plan to revive it.

Today it plays up its ties to Civil War General and US President Ulysses S. Grant who lived there. A number of other Civil War Generals also maintained residences there.

85 percent of the town's structures, including homes and commercial buildings, lie within the Galena Historic District. A significant number of these buildings have been restored to their Civil War era roots. Many of the homes still serve as residences, others as businesses and a handful as Galena bed and breakfast establishments.

Incidentally, many of the town's visitors (both first-time and return) prefer to stay in one of the Galena bed and breakfast homes. These Galena bed and breakfast homes are tourist attractions in and of themselves. Visitors feel as though they've not just had a glimpse of history, but actually lived it.

Many of Galena's visitors become return guests. They appreciate the hospitality they receive as well as the area's great historical value. Plus, Galena is now home to a number of modern resorts, golf-courses and spas.

Frequent visitors have great tips to pass on to first-time tourists. Some of these tips may help you get more out of your Galena B and B stay. You may be able to stretch your dollar further by:

1) Visiting during the off-season. Most Galena bed and breakfast owners drop their rates during the months of October to April. This is still be an excellent time to visit. Golf courses are still open during much of this time. Historic sites never change, and many of these drop their admission prices too.

2) Consider a mid-week visit. Many Galena bed and breakfast establishments offer lower rates from Sunday to Thursday. Even those that don't advertise it are sometimes willing to do so if you ask directly. It's always in their best interests to fill their guest rooms even if it means taking a small cut.

3) Not a breakfast person? Some people aren't big breakfast eaters. Ask a Galena bed and breakfast proprietor for a rate decrease if you're willing to skip breakfast.

4) Inquire about partnership deals. Some Galena bed and breakfast owners have deals with other local businesses. Perhaps you can get a discounted massage at a local spa with your Galena bed and breakfast fee. Again, even those that don't advertise such deals may still be able to swing them if you ask.