DeKalb in DeKalb County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Northern Illinois State Normal School
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 8, 2026
1. Northern Illinois State Normal School Marker
"In education we have laid the foundations for institutions that will grow stronger with the centuries."
John P. Altgeld "In the coming century, Northern Illinois University will continue to grow as a responsive, innovative partner in the development of the region, state, and nation."
Governor of Illinois
October 1, 1895
Jim Edgar
Governor of Illinois
October 1, 1995
The Northern Illinois State Normal School was founded in 1895 through a remarkable combination of public will and private support. Four regional leaders -- Isaac Ellwood, Joseph Glidden, Jacob Haish, and Clinton Rosette -- generously donated their time, resources, land, and influence to establish the new school in DeKalb. Their vision helped establish what is now a vital resource for northern Illinois.
Erected 1995 by Northern Illinois University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is October 1, 1895.
Location. 41° 55.876′ N, 88° 45.717′ W. Marker is in DeKalb, Illinois, in DeKalb County. It is at the intersection of Castle Drive and West Lincoln
this page online
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 walking distance of this marker: Northern Illinois University Entrance (a few steps from this marker); Northern Illinois University (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); NIU Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northern Illinois State College Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Northern Illinois University 75th Anniversary Time Capsule (approx. ¼ mile away); William George Eckhardt (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 8, 2026
2. Northern Illinois State Normal School Marker
Also see . . . NIU Digital Library - 125th Anniversary Oral History Project. See this website from Northern Illinois University that features several interviews that showcase the history of the university.
Excerpt: "The 125th Anniversary Oral History Project was a collaborative effort led by History Professor Amanda Littauer and History PhD student JoAnn Losavio with support from the NIU President's Office, the NIU Libraries, the Friends of the NIU Libraries, and the DeKalb Public Library. Eleven undergraduate and graduate students studying Oral History Methodology interviewed a total of 26 former and present NIU staff, faculty, and alumni about their experiences at NIU since the 1950s."(Submitted on September 9, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.)
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 8, 2026
3. Northern Illinois State Normal School Marker
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 8, 2026
4. Northern Illinois State Normal School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
