DeKalb in DeKalb County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ellwood Green
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
1. Ellwood Green Marker
The original Ellwood estate totaled more than 1,000 acres, extending north and west of its current boundaries. Much of the property was pasture and farmland devoted to the Ellwood stock farm, "Ellwood Green", for the breeding of Percheron draft horses.
Of the stable complex, the only structure that survives to the present day was built in the 1890s and served as a water tower, supplying fresh water to the stables. A windmill pumped water into the wooden tank atop the stone tower, seen at the far right.
The stables pictured above were constructed in 1879 in the same architectural style as the Ellwood mansion. Made of red brick and limestone with mansard roofs, these buildings were noticeable from the front of the estate and were built to harmonize with the site.
These brick stables, along with the larger stables and various outbuildings constructed for the Percheron business, were demolished over the years.
After purchasing ranchland in Texas for the raising of cattle, the Ellwoods ceased their Percheron operation in DeKalb. The wooden tank on the tower was them removed and the upper area rebuilt with coordinating
this page online
Another structure (not pictured) was constructed just north of the water tower about 1912 as a multi-car garage for the Perry Ellwoods. In 1997 The Patience Ellwood Towle Education and Visitor Center was added to the garage, doubling the size to a total of approximately 12,000 square feet.
Erected by the Ellwood House Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 41° 56.12′ N, 88° 45.213′ W. Marker is in DeKalb, Illinois, in DeKalb County. It is on Linden Place north of Augusta Avenue, on the right when traveling north. This marker is located just south of The Patience Ellwood Towle Education and Visitor Center at the Ellwood House Museum park in DeKalb. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 Linden Place, Dekalb IL 60115, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
2. Ellwood Green Marker & Ellwood Water Tower
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Little House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mrs. Ellwoods Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Johann De Kalb White Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); DeKalb War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); DeKalb World War I Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jacob Haish (approx. 0.3 miles away); Annies Woods (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Winged Ear Logo (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeKalb.
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
3. Ellwood Green Marker Surroundings
The Patience Ellwood Towle Education and Visitor Center & the Ellwood House can both be seen in the background
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
4. Surviving Ellwood Water Tower
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 10, 2026
5. Welcome to the Ellwood Butterfly Garden Marker
This biological marker is located at the base of the Ellwood Water Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
