The Galena Generals

In 1961, 100 years after the start of the Civil War. The City of Galena celebrated, with "Rally Once Again", the Civil War Centennial.
There were parades down Main Street, and a Pageant in Recreation Park, followed by fireworks.

As part of this, the Galena Elks organized volunteers to portray the men from Galena who had attained the rank of General in the Civil War. Everyone knew about Grant, but research discovered there were 8 more. 4 had been promoted and served as Generals during the war. 4 were Brevetted General, when they mustered out of service.
The Elks bought uniforms for the Generals, and also for 2 men who portrayed General Lee, and his aide. A Galena man also portrayed Lincoln. They were called the "Galena Elks Civil War Generals."
This original group travelled and took part in many Celebrations; the most known was the Chicago Music Festival, held in Soldier's Field. Grant and Lee shook hands, while Lincoln looked on.

In 1965 the Generals formed again for Grant's return from the war. Galena even built another arch across Main Street. They again travelled to Chicago, and were called "The Galena Generals."

The Galena Generals 1965

In 1968, they went to Gettysburg, where our Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address for the crowd. Then on to Washington DC, where they won first place in the 4th of July Parade.

The Galena Generals 1968

The 1970s brought a new group of men, and a new sponsor, the VFW. They marched in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day parades into the 1980s.

The 1990s saw a reduction in travel, and by 2000, appearances were few and far between.

To the credit of Bob Buman, The Generals began to re-group in 2005 and began making appearances at Galena parades with a skeleton crew. By 2008, interest in The Generals grew. They were featured in stories in the Telegraph Herald and the Galena Gazette so people would not forget them or take their historical significance for granted. The Generals became affiliated with the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society in 2009.

The Galena Generals 2013

This time it was decided to accurately portray each General, as they were during the time of the Civil War. Each General is researched to maintain a correct and accurate portrayal, to the best of their ability. They provide historic information to the public, as they attend public functions such as parades and public gatherings.
Their uniforms and equipment are accurate reproductions, as they would have been in the 1860s.

In 2024 the Generals incorporated. In doing so they hope to keep this long standing tradition going strong into the future.

The Galena Generals 2024

Portraying a Galena General is a big commitment of time and effort.