RECOGNIZES-CITY OF GALENA

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

Illinois recognizes Galena’s 200th anniversary in 2026, tying celebration to America 250 and boosting local events, tourism, and civic engagement.

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie

Summary of HR0980 (104th General Assembly, Illinois) – Recognizes City of Galena

Purpose and intent

The bill is a House Resolution recognizing and acknowledging the City of Galena, Illinois, on the occasion of its bicentennial in 2026.

It ties Galena’s bicentennial celebration to the national America 250 program (the United States’ semiquincentennial) and emphasizes shared American history, heritage, and civic engagement.

The resolution expresses esteem for Galena and its role in American history, including ties to Ulysses S. Grant.

Key provisions and changes

Official recognition by the Illinois House of Representatives of Galena’s 200th anniversary in 2026.

Acknowledges Galena’s historical significance, tourism appeal, and its place along U.S. Route 20, including references to:

Galena’s founding in 1826 and its name origin related to lead ore.
The Civil War-era connection to Ulysses S. Grant and the historic house on Bouthillier Street (now managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
Galena’s location along the Spring Street corridor and its prominence as a tourist destination.

Encourages and supports celebratory events and programs throughout 2026 that educate, engage, and unite residents and visitors, in alignment with America 250 goals.

Requires the issuance of a commemorative copy of the resolution to the City of Galena.

Who or what would be affected

The City of Galena would be formally recognized and receive a copy of the resolution as a ceremonial act.

The recognition serves to publicize and frame local bicentennial activities within the broader national commemorative context (America 250).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Filed with the Clerk on June 22, 2026, by Representative Tony M. McCombie (co-sponsor listed).

The act is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, and does not create new statutory duties, funding, or regulatory changes.

Timeline relevance centers on the year 2026 (Galena’s bicentennial) and concurrent America 250 commemorations.

Practical impact

Provides formal political acknowledgment from the Illinois House, which can help promote local Bicentennial events, tourism, and community engagement in Galena.

May enhance public awareness and media attention around Galena’s history—particularly its 1826 founding, Grant-era connections, and preservation efforts.

If you’d like, I can add a brief section comparing this resolution to similar commemorations for other Illinois cities or provide background on the America 250 initiative.