Press Release - Saturday, April 28, 2007
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Ulysses S. Grant's legacy set in stone - literally
GALENA - An amazing collection of rocks painted with faces and places associated with Civil War general and 18th President Ulysses S. Grant are among several new features of the permanent exhibit at the Old Market House State Historic Site in downtown Galena.
Grant's life from his birth in Ohio, his life in Galena, the Civil War, his Presidency and 1885 death in New York are covered in the new exhibit items, including 22 one-of-a-kind rocks painted by Ogden, Utah artist Jennifer Rowland. Jennifer has completed her rock art depiction of all U.S. Presidents and First Ladies.
Also featured at the Old Market House are four paintings of the April 9, 1865 surrender of Robert E. Lee to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, a ceremony that included three men with Galena connections - Grant, Eli Parker and John Rawlins. Grant was a leather clerk, Parker supervised the construction of the Post Office in Galena, and Rawlins was an attorney who lived close to Grant before the Civil War.
Another unique addition to the exhibit are two works by U.S. Grant's oldest granddaughter, Julia Grant Cantacyzene (1876 - 1975), an oil painting of an elderly man and a pen and ink drawing of a basket.
These new materials join more than 1,200 items related to Grant's life and times that have been on display at the Old Market House for five years.
"We have President and Mrs. Grant as well as other Presidents and First Ladies represented, as well as objects that are rarely on public exhibition," said Galena State Historic Sites manager Terry Miller.
All present and former Boy Scouts are invited to look around the foyer of the Old Market House to see a collection of patches, mugs, and other memorabilia commemorating the 53-year history of the U.S. Grant Pilgrimage. This event will be held the last weekend in April in Galena.
The Old Market House State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The "Hello Galena" building next door showcases local artwork, provides visitor information, and has public restrooms.
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