Galva in Henry County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Galva, Illinois in the 1870's
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
1. Galva, Illinois in the 1870's Marker
My how things have changed, especially on the west side corner of Front Street and Wiley.
The original small Wiley House hotel burned down in 1855 but was rebuilt larger by General Albro in 1856. He named his new hotel the Albro House but it was sold later to the Baker brothers in 1880 and renamed the Baker House. The Baker family was renowned nationally for their singing ability and turned this hotel into one of the finest hotels in the area. Only a few hundred feet north of the C., B. & Q. depot, this hotel was a welcomed stop for the weary traveler/immigrant. Nevertheless, fifty six years after it was built, it had to be torn down after damage was made to the roof in the cyclone of 1892 and the gradual abuse of the interior. Afterwards, a one story structure was built by a Mr. Loomis in 1914; it was remodeled and moved into as the Galva Creamery in 1925. The Creamery closed its doors in 1980 but later it too was torn down.
(For more information on how much Galva and the railroad played in Sweden's emigration, please refer to the didactic informational stand by the Gävlebocken. It is located alongside route 34, in the southwest corner of the park.)
this page online
[image captions]
• A Vintage Woodcut [Baker House Hotel]
• Railroad Square in 1875
— Later known as: North Central park in 1901 and Veterans Park in 1968
— Tracks to Bishop Hill
— Baker House Hotel — Razed in 1912
— C., B. & Q. Railroad depot
— Tracks to Chicago
— Round House/Turntable — Damaged in the 1892 cyclone
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 41° 10.003′ N, 90° 2.66′ W. Marker is in Galva, Illinois, in Henry County. It is at the intersection of Front Street and Northwest 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Front Street. The marker is on the walkway at the northeast corner of Veterans Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 338 Front Street, Galva IL 61434, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 24, 2021
2. Galva, Illinois in the 1870's Marker
Looking southwest across the northeast corner of Veterans Memorial Park from Front Street.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Push/Pull (a few steps from this marker); The Galva Creamery (within shouting distance of this marker); Wistrand Manufacturing Co. and the Blue Star line (within shouting distance of this marker); Sgt. Schuyler Brent Patch (within shouting distance of this marker); Hayes Pump and Planter Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Olof Krans (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Galva Opera House/Temperance Hall (about 300 feet away); The Scrap Drive of 1942 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galva.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
