What is Galena Kansas known for?

Incorporated in 1877, Galena is the oldest mining town in Kansas. Around the turn of the 20th century, Galena boasted a population of nearly 30,000 people, and its burgeoning prosperity was such that it became one of the most important towns west of New York City.

What was mined in Galena KS?

Site Description. Galena is a rural community located in southeast Kansas, within the Tri-State Mining District Superfund Site in Cherokee County. For over a century, lead and zinc was mined in the region and resulted in production of nearly 3,000 abandoned mine shafts in Cherokee County.

How old is Galena Kansas?

Galena was settled and incorporated as a city on June 19, 1877, immediately following the discovery of lead. The name of the town, Galena, is derived from the lead ore of the same name. From the discovery of ore in 1877 to 1899, the total production of lead and zinc mines was worth over 100 million dollars.

How do you spell Galena Kansas?

Galena is a city in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,085.

How did Galena, Kansas get its name?

Galena, Kansas. The city was actually known as Short Creek when first established because of a nearby creek and was known as Bonanza briefly before taking the present name of Galena in 1877, which is named after the lead ore galena found in the area. The city was part of the tri state mining area and had over 30,000 inhabitants.

How big is the city of Galena Kansas?

The site consists of approximately 115 square miles, divided into seven subsites including Galena. The Cherokee County site encompasses the Kansas portion of the Tri-State district, the latter including Northeastern Oklahoma and Southwestern Missouri.

When did lead mining start in Galena Kansas?

In 1879, the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad extended its line to Galena, and before long, the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad followed suit, extending its line from Joplin, Missouri. Deeper mining operations began in earnest, and the town soon saw all manner of passengers, freight, and lead being shipped through the area.

When was the first post office in Galena Kansas?

Although the railroad was built through the territory of Galena in 1871, the town did not start until the discovery of lead there in the spring of 1877. The first post office was established in 1877.