GALENA'S RICH History

 Located at the crossroads of Maryland Routes 213 and 290, Galena's early prosperity was fueled by its strategic position near the Sassafras River, making it a key stop for travelers and a hub for businesses and visitors. Originally called Down’s Cross Roads, the town was named after William Downs, who built an inn and tavern that became the heart of the early village. The inn was essential for weary travelers in need of rest, food, and a place to care for their horses. Even George Washington stopped at the inn on his eight visits to Kent County, passing through Galena on his way to and from the First Continental Congress and Mount Vernon.

For a brief period, the town was known as Georgetown Cross Roads before, in 1858, Maryland’s Chapter 373 officially changed its name to Galena. The town is believed to have been named after galena, a type of silver ore discovered in a nearby mine in 1813.

Geology professor Frank Benjamin, citing an article from Tales of Kent County by The Kent News, notes that there is little geological evidence of silver in the area. However, it’s possible that a lead-based sulfide called galena was mined here, inspiring the town’s name. The mine is believed to have been located near an embankment east of Galena, known as Olivet Hill. While the entrance to the mine is no longer visible, a sunken area about 15 feet wide and 40 to 50 feet deep remains. There is some disagreement among residents as to why the mine was abandoned. Some speculate that the silver supply was too scarce to remain profitable, while others suggest it was sealed off to protect its resources from British soldiers during the Revolutionary War.

Much of Galena’s history was tragically lost in a devastating fire on the morning of March 31, 1893.

The fire, sparked by a defective chimney flue, began shortly after Henry Parr and his wife Ellen had finished breakfast. As Mr. Parr walked to his shop, he heard his wife’s desperate cry from the kitchen window—“The house is on fire!” Constable John Voshell, who had met with Parr earlier that morning, rushed to help. By the time they arrived, they had thrown several buckets of water at the flames, but it was clear the house was lost. They quickly shifted their focus to rescuing furniture before the fire consumed it.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the three-story town hall. Church bells rang to alert residents, and efforts to save furniture, shop goods, and start a bucket brigade were hastily organized. With no established fire department, Galena was ill-equipped to handle a blaze of this scale. Fire departments from Chestertown and Middletown were called for help but couldn’t assist, as their equipment required a nearby water source, which Galena lacked. Wilmington’s fire service was also contacted, but it was determined that the damage would be done by the time they could arrive.

By lunchtime, the fire was finally under control. Twenty-four buildings had been destroyed, with damage totaling over $30,000. Most of the town was left homeless, but miraculously, no lives were lost, and only one person was reported injured.