The importance, image, and history of Galena extend beyond the National Register Historic District and into the nearby countryside. Visitors to Galena begin their experience of Galena as they approach the community on Highway 20. Steeples located in the core of Galena peek above the ridge tops. The Galena and Mississippi River valleys, so important to the history of Galena, are apparent. The countryside, where farm products for Galena have been raised for a century and a half fill the immediate roadside view. Galena's northwest Highway 20 Corridor is also historically significant as the former location of Galena's key intercity transportation route from the mid-1800s into the 1900s and the former "country estates" of prominent Galenians. An existing roadside at the interchange of Highways 20 and 84 already recognizes the importance of this vantage point for roadside interpretation.
The State of Illinois, City of Galena and private development along the highway should take advantage of these historic references and panoramic views to interpret this history and communicate a positive image of the community. Public entities could identify potential funding sources, identify prototypes in the state highway system, select appropriate themes, identify appropriate locations for these interpretive roadsides, and acquire the necessary right-of-ways and/or easements for implementation. In addition to reflecting the community character through the design of sites and buildings, private development also can incorporate interpretative elements on their sites in the form of markers and signs, sculpture and other works of art, landscaping, and exhibits.
Potential themes for interpretation include: (1) Galena Toll Road and early links to Dubuque and Mineral Point, (2) "country estates" of prominent Galenians, (3) landmarks of Galena, (4) the Mississippi and Galena River connection, (5) natural landscape history, (6) mining, and (7) farming and Galena. Facilities could include a small parking area, viewing platform, and/or interpretive displays. Because of limited highway access requirements, interpretive information may be integrated into future developments.