The house and its history
Miss Murphy’s High Street Inn stands as one of the enduring homes that shaped early Galena. Its walls have witnessed the town’s growth from a river community to a center of national history, reflecting the people and moments that passed through its doors. The story of this house is closely tied to the neighborhood, the Civil War era, and the individuals who helped define Galena’s past.
A Home Built in Pre–Civil War Galena
Miss Murphy’s High Street Inn has a story that begins well before the Civil War—and it’s deeply woven into Galena’s most storied chapter. Built between 1845 and 1850, the home was first occupied by Alex Young. Its original Galena-brick façade reflected the clean lines of Federal-style architecture, and while the house evolved over time, its exterior has remained remarkably unchanged since the late 1800s.
Before the war, the home was purchased by Dr. Edward D. Kittoe, a respected physician who would become one of Galena’s most admired citizens. Dr. Kittoe expanded the house twice—once in 1861 and again in 1870, after returning from service as a Civil War surgeon—shaping it into the gracious residence you see today.
Dr. Edward D. Kittoe and Life on High Street
In the years leading up to the Civil War, the Grant family lived just a few doors down on High Street. Long before Ulysses S. Grant became a general—or president—it’s very likely he spent time here, socializing with Dr. Kittoe in this very home. The two men were part of Galena’s close-knit prewar community, their friendship forming during a period when both were simply neighbors, unaware of the roles they would soon play on the national stage.
Dr. Kittoe’s professional life was equally distinguished. Appointed Regimental Surgeon of the 45th Illinois Infantry in 1861, he was promoted to Surgeon of the Volunteers by Abraham Lincoln the following year. He later served on Grant’s staff and became Medical Director of the Army of the Tennessee, where his work improving sanitation and medical practices likely saved thousands of lives. After the war, he continued caring for veterans who had served alongside him.
Preservation and the Inn’s Modern Era
After Dr. Kittoe’s passing, the house—like Galena itself—continued to adapt. Over the decades, it served as a private family home and later as an apartment residence, quietly evolving with the town around it. In the early 2000s, the home entered a pivotal new chapter when it was lovingly restored and converted into Abbey’s High Street Bed and Breakfast by Kathleen and Thomas Meyer, whose careful stewardship preserved its character while preparing it to welcome guests once again.
After the Meyer’s tenure, the property was purchased by Caroline Sipiera, who owned the inn as Miss Murphy’s Bed and Breakfast for several years and continued its thoughtful evolution. During her time here, she introduced updates that helped define the inn’s now-signature feel—vintage charm paired with modern comforts—setting the stage for its next era.
Today, when you step inside Miss Murphy’s High Street Inn, you’re stepping into a home shaped by friendship, service, and care. From prewar evenings that may have included conversations between Dr. Kittoe and a young Ulysses S. Grant, to the thoughtful restoration that ensured its survival into the present day, this house has always been a place of connection. We’re honored to be its current stewards—and to share its story with you.
Portions adapted from: Marsh, Diann, “A Garden for Dr. Kittoe,” Miners’ Journal [Galena], Fall 2005, published quarterly by The Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society.
