The Vinegar Hill Lead Mine and Museum is located in Jo Daviess Co., 6 miles north of Galena, IL. Tours are given mostly in the summer, but on weekends in a few other months. The story of the name "Vinegar Hill" in this area is on the back of a brochure for the lead mine:

"In the year 1798, all sections of the Furlong Family fought in the battle of Vinegar Hill (in Wexford Co., Ireland) in the Rebellion against the British Garrison.

John Furlong was captured at this battle. He and many other Irish soldiers were impressed in the British Army and sent to Canada. Furlong and other Irish became acquainted with the French in Canada, who had already been in this vicinity. They then heard of Julien Dubuque and his lead excursions, so they deserted the British and came to the east banks of the Mississippi, and started to mine for Galena Lead Ore.

John Furlong lived in the wilds of this territory for several years, and when Illinois became a state in 1818, he purchased land which would be south of the St. Clara Academy. In 1824, Furlong and three of his friends struck a rich vein of ore at Cave Branch, which is now known as Vinegar Hill.

Furlong's son John, worked this mine in 1882 and his great grandson Thomas worked this mine in 1934. This mine was opened for tourists by Furlong's great, great grandson Earl in 1967, and continued by his great, great, great grandson Mark in 1986."

Contributed by Bonnie Selig