Genoa’s history goes back to the ancient times.The first historically known inhabitants 
of the
area are the Ligure.In the Roman era, Genoa was over shadowed by the powerful Marseille and Vada
Sabatia,near modren Savona. Genoa was occupied by the Ostrogoths. For several following centuries,
Genoa was little more than a small obscure fishing center. The town was sacked and burnt and was again
rebuilt.Genoa was one of the so-called “Maritime Republics” helped to support one of the largest and
most powerful navies in the Mediterranean. Its political zenith came with its victory over the republic of
Pisa, its persistent rival, Venice. However its prosperity did not last. By this it adopted the venetian model
of government. With shift in world economy and trade routes, Genoa’s political and economic power went
into steady decline.
The city of Genoa covers an area of 243 sq km. It is adjacent to two popular Ligurian Vacation
spots, Camogli and Portino. It has Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences. Winter is mild and
summer is warm.Genoa has important buildings like Piazza De Ferrari and The Palace of the Doges. It
has public parks in the city center-Villetta Di Negro, beautiful gardens and numerous villas that has its
own gardens. The “porto antico” is the ancient part of the port of Genoa. This city has nine administrative
districts approved by the Municipal Council.Genoa was created by the occasions of the time and the individuals who passed through, in addition to those who chose to stay and call Genoa home. Trees bent to mark the pioneers’ way are still prevalent.
Located in the northeast nook of DeKalb County, Genoa’s Important Street runs on the line of the historic Galena-Chicago trail. One of Genoa’s first buildings is the old stagecoach building often called the Pacific House, which still stands at 501 W. Primary
In a daybook belonging to Thomas Madison, the city’s first storekeeper, entries of gross sales have been found from as early as Might 12, 1843. The original town consisted of 4 blocks. The first industries were a distillery and a sawmill. Genoa was included as a village in 1876, and as a city on Sept. 9, 1911. Throughout its early historical past flourished primarily as an agricultural community.
The business district of Genoa is positioned usually along Fundamental Avenue (Route seventy two), and consists primarily of small retail outlets, restaurants and repair establishments to serve the residential and agricultural community. The City encompasses an area of roughly 2.5 square miles and as an older, nicely-established residential group; the Metropolis retains characteristics of a rural atmosphere in addition to a group topic to new residential and commercial growth. The Metropolis of Genoa is primarily a residential community with 75 % of the 1997 tax base classified as residential and 25 percent as commercial and industrial. Inhabitants progress of the City has been steady over the years.
Genoa is located at the intersection of State Routes 72 and 23, and close by entry to Interstate ninety (Northwest Tollway) is available at the U.S. 20 interchange within 13 miles and on the Belvidere interchange within 14 miles.