Sycamore in DeKalb County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sycamore Historic District
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 1, 2024
1. Sycamore Historic District Marker, Side One
Sycamore's historic district was approved and entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The classical revival style Dekalb County Courthouse serves as a keystone for the district's other 226 structures. Built in 1903, the courthouse is distinguished for its marble and stained glass interiors. It was preceded by two earlier buildings, the first erected in 1839. The unique Civil War monument on the lawn predates the present structure. Diagonally east opposite the courthouse stands the Byzantine style Sycamore Public Library built on land given in 1903 by F.B. Townsend, early Sycamore philanthropist. Between these two historic buildings runs Main Street, once a Potawatomi Indian trail, and now a major thoroughfare within the district.
(From the Illinois Division of Historic Sites recommendation to the National Register:)"Sycamore is one of a group of small Illinois county seats that have survived into the 20th century preserving both the fabric and the sense of their earlier history. The courthouse the central commercial district and some fine residential areas especially on Main and Somonauk Streets
this page online
Sycamore invites you to view a detailed historic district map located at the corner of Elm and Somonauk streets. It includes a suggested walking tour and lists additional distinguished structures in the city.
This marker erected by the Sycamore Historic District Committee, authorized by the Sycamore City Council, Harold (Red) Johnson, Mayor, October, 1980
Erected 1980 by Sycamore Historic District Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 41° 59.322′ N, 88° 41.081′ W. Marker is in Sycamore, Illinois, in DeKalb County. It is on State Street (Illinois Route 64) near Main Street ( Route 23), on the right when traveling west. The marker is in the SW corner of the block housing the DeKalb County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 133 West
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 1, 2024
2. Sycamore Historic District Marker, Side Two
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: DeKalb County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); DeKalb County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); For God and Country (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago and Northwestern Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away); DeKalb County Farm Bureau (approx. 1.8 miles away); DeKalb Swine Breeders (approx. 2.3 miles away); Sherret S. Chase (approx. 2.4 miles away); DeKalb Ag (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sycamore.
Also see . . .
1. Historic District of Sycamore Illinois. A tour of the Sycamore Historic District,
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 1, 2024
3. Sycamore Historic District Marker
The DeKalb County Courthouse is in the background, although mostly obscured by trees.
2. NPS National Register of Historic Places Collection for Sycamore Historic District. (Submitted on October 3, 2024.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 1, 2024
4. Sycamore Historic District Marker
The Sycamore library, referenced on this marker, can be seen across Main Street in this east-facing photo.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 1, 2024
5. DeKalb County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 2, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
