Galesburg

Ronald Reagan moved to Galesburg with his family at the age of five. They lived in an apartment at 1260 N. Kellogg Street and later moved across the street to 1219 N Kellogg. He attended the Silas Willard Elementary School.

Nancy (Davis) Reagan's stepfather, Dr. Loyal Davis, a well-known Chicago neurosurgeon, was born in Galesburg. Dr. Davis married Nancy’s mother in 1929 adopting Nancy who spent many vacations from school at her grandparent’s Walnut Avenue residence in Galesburg.

Galesburg is located on Interstate 74 in Northwest Illinois. It is a unique town in that it was a planned city whose purpose was fostering religious education. Knox College was the main reason for its existence.

Sites to Visit

Carl Sandburg State Historic Site

331 E. 3rd St., Galesburg, IL
309-342-2361
Author-poet Carl Sandburg was born here in a 3 room cottage on January 6, 1878. From these humble beginnings, Sandburg went on to achieve international acclaim for his poetry, children’s stories, and six volume biography of Abraham Lincoln. A visitor’s center and gift shop is located next to the birthplace.

Galesburg Historical Train Tour

BNSF Amtrak Depot, Galesburg, IL
Sunday,June 25, 2006 The Galesburg Historical Society will offer a Tram Tour on the early lives spent in Galesburg of former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. Tom Wilson will be on board to conduct the tour sharing stories and giving the history of these two great people and their connection to Galesurg. The tours start at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be approximately 45 mninutes in length. You can catch the tour at the BNSF Amtrak Depot.

Galesburg Railroad Museum

211 S. Seminary St., Galesburg, IL -
309-342-9400
Experience railroading of the early 1900’s. Extensive collection of railroad memorabilia on view for the public. Tours through restored passenger engine built in 1930 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, a fully–outfitted car used by the Railway Mail Service and Railway Express Agency, a Pullman parlor car, caboose and two 1950’s inspection cars outfitted with track maintenance tools.

Ronald Reagan Home and School

1219 N. Kellogg & 495 E. Fremont St., Galesburg, IL
A driving tour brochure of the Reagan homes, Silas Willard School where Ronald attended the first grade and the home where Nancy Reagan’s grandparents lived is available at the Galesburg Welcome Center, 2163 E. Main. Markers identify each home, there is a Ronald Reagan exhibit inside the Welcome Center.