North Prairie Street boasts a number of historic homes. No. 591, built in 1896 by merchant John Fahnestock, is a good example of the Queen Anne style, characterized by detailed carving and turrets or towers. No. 560 was built in 1894 by Colonel Clark E. Carr, who was a personal friend of several U.S. presidents; 560 North Prairie St. is reputed to be the site of a cabinet meeting held by President McKinley. Meanwhile, No. 590, was built by George Lawrence -- a prominent lawyer -- and was the most expensive home to be built in Galesburg in the 19th century, costing $80,000.
North Broad Street boasts three excellent examples of the Queen Anne Style. No. 534 was built in 1895 by J. W. Lescher, a partner in the Lescher Drug Company. No. 756 was the home of Dr. G. E. Luster, a prominent doctor whose office was located above those of the Lescher company. Along with No. 774 these houses all boast third-floor ballrooms and large drive-through carriage porticos as well as the corner turrets characteristic of the Queen Anne style.
North Kellogg Street has two houses of note. The first is No. 483, built in 1856 by John C. Stewart, who served as mayor of Galesburg for three consecutive terms and also practiced law. The house is built in the Georgain style, characterized by symmetry and wrap-around porches. Also located on North Kellogg Street is the William Browning House, No. 325, which was built in 1868 and was probably the first large house built in the city. Browning was a leading merchant and purchased the house in 1871. It was purchased by the Galesburg Historical Society in 1976 to save it from demolition.
No. 501 East Losey St. was built in 1856. Local legend claims the basement was used to shelter slaves who were running away north to freedom. Also of note is the home of the poet and author Carl Sandburg, which is located at 331 East Third St. and is open to the public; it also houses a museum.
