Nestled midway between Peoria and the Quad Cities in southern Henry County, Illinois, Galva is a vibrant small city of approximately 2,387 residents. Founded in 1854 by William and James Wiley as a railroad hub on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy line, Galva was named in honor of its sister city, Gävle, Sweden—reflecting its strong Scandinavian-American roots. Over the years, the community has celebrated its rich heritage through cultural landmarks like the historic Galva Opera House (built 1878) and the Italianate Olof Johnson House, while hosting arts events and supporting local artisans. Surrounded by welcoming parks and greenspaces, Galva offers residents recreation and relaxation with amenities that reflect midwestern values. Our closeknit citizens—a blend of longtime homesteaders, growing families, entrepreneurs, educators, and newcomers—drive a strong community spirit. Today, Galva champions economic development through community-focused initiatives, leveraging its strategic location on rail lines and highways, probusiness leadership, and infrastructure investments to support local businesses and attract new opportunities. We embrace growth and innovation while preserving the authentic charm and cultural pride that define the City of Galva.
Learn about our sister city Gävle, Sweden.
History
Beyond its 1854 founding, Galva’s story includes a longstanding commitment to preserving its past. In the early 20th century, Galva became a regional hub for agriculture and commerce, with railroads and local industry fueling steady growth. The city’s Swedish-American roots remained strong through community traditions and family histories passed down through generations. The Galva Historical Society, established in 1987, plays a vital role in documenting and sharing the city’s heritage—operating a museum in the original Wiley family home and preserving historical publications like the GalvaLand magazine. From its railroad legacy to its cultural continuity, Galva’s past remains an active part of its identity today.
For more information about the Galva Historical Society visit their Facebook page.
Arts & Culture
The City of Galva boasts a lively arts and culture scene anchored by the Galva Arts Council, which for over thirty years has “built a home for the arts in the heart of Galva” at its hub on Exchange Street. This community-driven organization hosts a variety of year-round programming—from visual and performing arts exhibitions to workshops, yoga classes, and its popular Coffeehouse Series—creating a space where artists and residents connect and collaborate. Galva also shines outdoors through the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series, offering free, family-friendly concerts at Wiley Park each summer and drawing diverse musical talent to the heart of the city. With enduring traditions and contemporary opportunities alike, Galva’s arts scene celebrates creativity and community in equal measures.
Learn more about the Arts & Culture in Galva at the link below.
Parks
The Galva Park District opened in the summer of 1966 and was annexed by the City in 1968. Today, Galva maintains three municipal parks—Washington Park, Wiley Park, and Veterans Park—each with a unique history and role in the community.
Washington Park, originally named Washington Square, is located just south of the railroad tracks and serves as a green space between industrial and residential areas. It includes a pavilion, playground, restrooms, and basketball hoops.
Wiley Park was first known as College Park before being renamed in 1933. It now hosts many community events and offers a large pavilion, concert stage, playgrounds, disc golf, and open space for seasonal recreation.
Veterans Park has the most layered history. Once called Railroad Square and nicknamed the “Frog Pond,” it became Central Park in the 1930s and was renamed Veterans Park in 1968 to honor Galva’s servicemembers. Located downtown, it features a gazebo, fountain, memorials, and picnic areas.
Amenities at the three (3) municipal parks and the Galva Park District may be reserved for parties and events. To learn more about the parks and how to reserve the parks visit the link below.
Economic Development
Economic development in Galva is focused on fostering a supportive, business-friendly environment where entrepreneurs and investors can thrive. With a strategic location at the intersection of U.S. Route 34 and Illinois Route 17, access to rail and regional markets, and a skilled workforce, Galva offers the infrastructure and resources needed for growth. The City actively supports development through streamlined permitting, local incentives like Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and partnerships with organizations such as Hometown Consulting and the Galva Economic Development Committee. From downtown revitalization to industrial expansion, Galva is committed to creating opportunities that strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
People of Galva
The renowned John Crabbe replaced bassist William Hann in 1925, touring Europe and recording songs with The Four Harmony Kings.
Perhaps best known for his “Old Siwash” stories, which were later immortalized in the 1940 film Those Were The Days starring native Illinoisan William Holden, George Helgesen Fitch was born in Galva in 1877.
His works, including At Good Old Siwash and the humorous Homeburg Memories, offer vivid depictions of small-town Midwestern life inspired by his hometown of Galva.
Born in Kewanee, Illinois in 1908, Galva resident Fred Glidden, also known by his pen name Luke Short, authored sixty-five books. His body of work includes manuscripts, teleplays, movie scripts, pulp fiction, and other writings preserved in special collections and archives.
Brother of Fred D. Glidden, this Galva resident won the Dodd, Mead prize for best Western of the year in 1941. Writing under the Nome de plume of Peter Dawson, Jonathan Glidden penned sixteen Westerns and numerous short stories for the pulp fiction market.
Born in Galva on September 4, 1875, Kirby worked as a political cartoonist for several major newspapers. He won three Pulitzer Prizes—one of which was the first ever awarded for a cartoon—and his work remains widely recognized for its impact and artistry.
This renowned painter was born in Sweden and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1850 to help establish the Bishop Hill Colony. Of his 174 known paintings, 109 are preserved and displayed at the Bishop Hill Museum, with others housed at institutions such as the Chicago History Museum. The Wiley House Museum in Galva features two of his notable works: The Great Galva Fire of 1872 and The Cyclone of 1892. His legacy is also honored with a gravesite in Galva.
Best known for his Hopalong Cassidy novels and Hopalong Cassidy teleplays, this Galva resident was born in Streater, Illinois.
Lincoln scholar and Illinois State Historian Harry Pratt wrote no fewer than nine books on his favorite subject: Abraham Lincoln. He also served as editor and compiler for the Illinois State Historical Society Journal, contributing significantly to the preservation and interpretation of the state’s history.
Galva native George Swank, publisher of Galvaland Magazine, authored several notable titles, including Bishop Hill – Swedish American Showcase, Painter Krans of Bishop Hill Colony, Centennial of Galva, Illinois, Carl Sandburg: Galesburg and Beyond, and Lafayette 150 Years: 1986 Sesquicentennial. His work reflects a deep appreciation for regional history and cultural heritage.
Heroes of Galva
The Honorable Thomas E. Hartman, Mayor, by Executive Order in the Year of Our Lord 2009, decreed that a permanent Virtual Memorial be established on the Galva Website to honor the men and women, living and deceased, from the City of Galva who had served or were serving their country in our nation’s armed forces.
Many of the veterans honored here had only a tangential connection to our fair city. However slight the connection, circumstances dictated that many of them received their final resting place in our cemetery; thus, we were determined to honor their service on these pages. We were determined to embrace them as Galvans. We were determined that they would not be forgotten.
Others who served were born, lived, and perhaps even died within the corporate limits of our humble municipality but had their final resting place elsewhere—some in foreign lands, some in national cemeteries, and others in cities and states that claimed them in their passing. All were sons of Galva, and we honored them on this page.
About Henry County, IL
Located just east of the Mississippi River in northwest Illinois, Henry County blends small-town charm, historic downtowns, and scenic farmland with easy access to major highways, rail, and airports. From outdoor recreation and heritage sites to shopping, dining, and festivals, there’s something for everyone to explore.
To learn more about county services, departments, and resources, visit the official Henry County website.
Discover things to do, places to stay, and events happening across the county—visit the official Henry County Tourism website to start planning your trip.