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Historical Markers and War Memorials in DeKalb County

 
Clickable Map of DeKalb County, Illinois and Immediately Adjacent Jurisdictions image/svg+xml 2019-10-06 U.S. Census Bureau, Abe.suleiman; Lokal_Profil; HMdb.org; J.J.Prats/dc:title> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Usa_counties_large.svg DeKalb County, IL (69) Boone County, IL (5) Kane County, IL (143) Kendall County, IL (29) LaSalle County, IL (105) Lee County, IL (53) McHenry County, IL (43) Ogle County, IL (55) Winnebago County, IL (11)  DeKalbCounty(69) DeKalb County (69)  BooneCounty(5) Boone County (5)  KaneCounty(143) Kane County (143)  KendallCounty(29) Kendall County (29)  LaSalleCounty(105) LaSalle County (105)  LeeCounty(53) Lee County (53)  McHenryCounty(43) McHenry County (43)  OgleCounty(55) Ogle County (55)  WinnebagoCounty(11) Winnebago County (11)
Sycamore is the county seat for DeKalb County
Adjacent to DeKalb County, Illinois
Boone County (5)  ►
Kane County (143)  ►
Kendall County (29)  ►
LaSalle County (105)  ►
Lee County (53)  ►
McHenry County (43)  ►
Ogle County (55)  ►
Winnebago County (11)  ►
 
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1 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — “Unified and Diversified” Time Capsule —
Multicultural Greek Council 25 Year Time Capsule April 22, 2033 "Unified and Diversified" Founded 2005 — — Map (db m310549) HM
2 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Annie Laurie Garden — 1865-1962 —
Annie Glidden was the niece of Joseph Glidden of DeKalb. Her father died when she was young, and her mother moved the family from their farm located outside DeKalb city limits into town. Scholar Joseph Glidden believed that his brother's . . . — — Map (db m310631) HM
3 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Annie’s Woods —
The plot of land known as Annie's Woods was originally part of Joseph Glidden's DeKalb property. Joseph Glidden became famous as the inventor of the first practical barbed wire and as a leader in the community. 1905 Plat of DeKalb In 1895 . . . — — Map (db m310604) HM
4 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Barbed Wire Manufacturing — 1873 – 1938 —
This house, built in 1861, was the home of Joseph Glidden, who in 1873 invented barbed wire fencing. With Phineas W. Vaughn he perfected a machine to manufacture it. DeKalb was the home of Isaac L. Ellwood and Jacob Haish, also manufacturers of . . . — — Map (db m308288) HM
5 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — City of DeKalb Sesquicentennial — Celebrating 150 years! — 1856 - 2006 —
To DeKalb Citizens Present and Future: A celebration of DeKalb's heritage was observed throughout 2006. It was led by a core committee appointed by Mayor Frank Van Buer. Citizens from all walks of life came together for the Sesquicentennial . . . — — Map (db m310820) HM
6 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — City of DeKalb Veterans Memorial —
This memorial is erected as a tribute to those of the City of DeKalb who have served with courage and honor in the defense and preservation of American liberty — — Map (db m310652) WM
7 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb Ag —
DeKalb's roots date to 1912 when a group of farmers and bankers formed the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association to improve area farming. In 1917, an offshoot was formed, the DeKalb County Agricultural Association, with a focus on quality seed. . . . — — Map (db m230905) HM
8 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb Poultry Research, Inc. —
Success in developing and commercializing hybrid seed corn in the 1930s and early 1940s prompted DeKalb Agricultural Association in 1944 to see if the principles of hybridization could be applied to the breeding of poultry. Association President Tom . . . — — Map (db m230904) HM
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9 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb Veterans Memorial — Honoring All Veterans — DeKalb County, Illinois —
Co-designed by: Michael Embrey, USAF Veteran — — Map (db m310441) WM
10 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb Veterans Memorial Mural — What These Boots Have Seen —
Dear Veterans of DeKalb, I want to thank each of you for choosing my work as your memorial mural. Having my art represent your stories and sacrifices is an incredible honor. Your bravery and commitment inspire me, and I hope this painting reminds . . . — — Map (db m311029) WM
11 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb War Memorial — U.S.A —
May the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice live forever in the hearts of the people
"To all those who have paid with their bodies for their soul's desire." Theodore Roosevelt
Rededicated November 11, . . . — — Map (db m310041) WM
12 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — DeKalb World War I Memorial — 1914 World War 1918 —
The Citizens of De Kalb erect this memorial to commemorate forever the loyalty and heroism of those of their number who answered the call of humanity in the World War 1914 – 1918
"That government of the people, by the people, . . . — — Map (db m310042) WM
13 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. —
With the support of NIU's governing board, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commons was commissioned December 8, 1983, and completed in 1992. This bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, was created by Peter Fagan, and installed in . . . — — Map (db m309151) HM
14 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Egyptian Theatre — National Register of Historic Places —
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m310654) HM
15 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Ellwood Green —
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 . . . — — Map (db m310635) HM
16 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Ellwood House —
Isaac Leonard Ellwood was born in Salt Springville, New York, on August 3, 1833. Already ambitious as a young man, he drove a mule team on the Erie Canal. In 1851 he made his way west to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California. He clerked . . . — — Map (db m310642) HM
17 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Ellwood Mansion —
This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m310645) HM
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18 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Honoring American Women Veterans —
Women Veterans Memorial Sponsored by: Charlotte & Joe Hodder, Jr — — Map (db m310424) WM
19 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Honoring World War I DeKalb Area Veterans — 1914-1918 —
Frederick TE. Carlson Pvt US Army World War I 1918-1919 William Brown US Navy GL WWI 1913-1921 — — Map (db m310419) WM
20 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — In Memory of SFC Julianna Gehant —
In Memory of SFC Julianna Gehant U.S. Army June 15, 1975 - February 14, 2008 Beloved daughter, sister, comrade, and friend A light in our lives — — Map (db m312361) WM
21 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Jacob Haish — (1826-1926) —
Known for his inventive genius, eccentric personality, and generous philanthropy, Jacob Haish is perhaps most remembered as an inventor of barbed wire. Born in Germany, he immigrated to this country in 1832 and came to DeKalb County in the 1840s. . . . — — Map (db m230903) HM
22 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Major General Johann De Kalb White Oak —
This Illinois white oak tree honors Revolutionary War Hero Major General Johann De Kalb (1721-1780) Our county namesake, and the brave men and women who fought for American independence. Inspired by the noble cause of liberty, these patriots . . . — — Map (db m310633) HM WM
23 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Mrs. Ellwood’s Museum —
This building was constructed in 1905 as a private museum for Harriet Miller Ellwood. Designed by architect William S. Ralph, it is an interesting combination of two architectural styles popular at the turn of the 20th century. The exterior was . . . — — Map (db m310644) HM
24 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — NIU Veterans Memorial —
Rededicated to all the brave men and women who have worn a uniform in honorable service to our great nation. Your service is a gift to our freedom. Eternally and fraternally. — — Map (db m310317) WM
25 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Northern Illinois State College Veterans Memorial —
. . . — — Map (db m310318) WM
26 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Northern Illinois State Normal School —
"In education we have laid the foundations for institutions that will grow stronger with the centuries." John P. Altgeld Governor of Illinois October 1, 1895 "In the coming century, Northern Illinois University will continue to . . . — — Map (db m310413) HM
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27 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Northern Illinois University —
On May 22, 1895, Governor John Peter Altgeld signed an act establishing the Northern Illinois State Normal School. The first building, "The Castle on the Hill", was constructed here on what was once the site of the DeKalb County Fairgrounds. . . . — — Map (db m310416) HM
28 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Northern Illinois University 75th Anniversary Time Capsule —
Northern Illinois University 75th Anniversary Time Capsule Placed 20 April 1974 To be Opened 2049 — — Map (db m310648)
29 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Northern Illinois University Entrance —
"...the Normal School...is more than a 'castle on the hill' with its graceful campus and curving drives...it should be ready to proclaim its supreme aim as an educational auxiliary int he determination of our national life." John W. . . . — — Map (db m310412) HM
30 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Rooted in Tradition —
For the two generations of Ellwoods living in the mansion from 1879 to 1964, colorful blooms, climbing vines, potted palms, and manicured landscapes made up the backdrop of everyday life. From cultivating exotic specimens and entertaining on the . . . — — Map (db m310640) HM
31 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — The Little House —
This charming structure was built in 1891 as Patten Mfg. Company's contractor's model and parade float. William Ellwood acquired the building to use as a playhouse for his daughters, Jessie Jean and Harriet Elise. After they outgrew it, the little . . . — — Map (db m310639) HM
32 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — The Winged Ear Logo —
The DeKalb® brand winged ear logo is perhaps one of the most widely-recognized agricultural trademarks in the world. Over the years it has undergone many design enhancements from the original concept. But the same iconic image of a flying ear of . . . — — Map (db m230901) HM
33 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — Viet Nam Era Veterans Memorial —
Dedicated to: Those that served 1960-75 Sponsored by: Michael T Embrey, USAF Veteran — — Map (db m310427) WM
34 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb — William George Eckhardt — (Site of Eckhardt's Home and Seed House) —
In the early 20th century William George Eckhardt (1879-1959) was a pioneer in DeKalb County's leading role in agricultural innovation. Eckhardt, an agronomy professor at the University of Illinois, was an expert in the blossoming field of soil . . . — — Map (db m310352) HM
35 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb, Afton Township — Bicentennial Grove — Afton Township Forest Preserve —
These trees were planted by the citizens of DeKalb County in honor of our country's bicentennial. This horizons project affirms our faith and pride in the United States and our hope and love for it. May future citizens enjoy this area and . . . — — Map (db m312117) HM
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36 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb, DeKalb Township — Ellwood House —
Erected in 1879 by Isaac L. Ellwood who contributed to western development as an early inventor and manufacturer of barbed wire and as a breeder of horses — — Map (db m310646) HM
37 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb, DeKalb Township — First DeKalb® Brand Hybrid Corn Breeding Plot —
On this farm two entrepreneurs begin a small experiment in 1925, the results of which have helped transform agriculture and the economies of Illinois, this nation and the world. Driven by the desire to improve farmers' productivity, Charlie Gunn . . . — — Map (db m311831) HM
38 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb, DeKalb Township — Sherret S. Chase — (1918-2021) —
Hybrid corn results from the cross of two inbred parents, each of which is developed by selfing (in-breeding) a corn line for 6-8 generations until it is mostly homozygous. Corn plants are diploid with one set of chromosomes coming from the . . . — — Map (db m230907) HM
39 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, DeKalb, DeKalb Township — Yield Monitor —
Many path-breaking agricultural innovations result from the creative minds of farmers. Such was the case in the development of the yield monitor, which measures grain yield and maps it to the specific part of a field as the grain is being . . . — — Map (db m312119) HM
40 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — Irving Wade —
5th Marines 1898 — 1918 — — Map (db m273702) HM
41 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — Lester Howard Wade —
Co. D 130th Infantry 1896 — 1918 — — Map (db m273699) WM
42 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — Site of the First Permanent Settlement in DeKalb County —
Site of first permanent settlement of DeKalb County, by John S. Sebree 1834. Erected by D.A.R. and DeKalb County, 1917 182 Ft. West — — Map (db m273696) HM
43 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — The Golden Age of Bands —
The center of town was the site of summer band concerts during the early years of Hinckley. Concerts were given in the band stand a few steps east of here and also in the middle of Lincoln Avenue and Sycamore Street. There were town bands, military . . . — — Map (db m273688) HM
44 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — Veterans Memorial —
Dedicated to the American Servicemen and Women who gave their lives for our country, and the Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America who honorably served their country, and those who currently serve to defend the freedoms we . . . — — Map (db m273694) WM
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45 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — Welcome to Hinckley — Harlem Globetrotters —
Site of the first ever Harlem Globetrotters road game January 7th, 1927 — — Map (db m273552) HM
46 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Hinckley — William H. Rissman —
U.S. Navy 1893 — 1918 — — Map (db m273700) HM
47 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta — Illinois Lincoln Highway — The First Seedling Mile in the Country —
Work commenced in September of 1914 on the “First Seedling Mile” in Malta, Illinois. This construction was key to the Lincoln Highway, which runs from Times Square in New York City, to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. Planned in 1913 by the . . . — — Map (db m230825) HM
48 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta — Illinois Lincoln Highway — Mobilizing the Country Changed Society —
Illinois, in the heart of the nation, has always been a crossroads state. The country's great transportation arteries – the Great Lakes, the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the railroads, the interstate highway system – all intersect through . . . — — Map (db m230864) HM
49 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta — Malta — The Seedling Mile — The Lincoln Highway in Illinois —
The Lincoln Highway’s first Seedling Mile of paved highway was built in Malta. This strategically chosen location demonstrated the need for better roads, showing the stark contrast between travel on concrete versus mud. From concept to completion, . . . — — Map (db m233236) HM
50 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta, Malta Township — Kishwaukee College Veterans Memorial —
To honor all veterans whose service has protected the freedom to learn — — Map (db m309381) WM
51 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta, Malta Township — Lincoln Highway — Village of Malta — Putting Malta on the map —
Malta is proud to be the home to the “First Seedling Mile” on the Lincoln Highway. This first strip of paved road was made to use as a “show and tell” demonstration of the advantages of travel on concrete verses mud, in an effort to obtain . . . — — Map (db m230865) HM
52 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta, Malta Township — Lincoln Highway Seedling Mile —
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental, hard surface roadway in the United States. The Highway traversed 3,384 miles and twelve states - beginning in New York City and ending in San Francisco. Planned in 1913 by the Lincoln Highway . . . — — Map (db m230868) HM
53 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Malta, Malta Township — The Lincoln Highway – The nation's first coast-to-coast highway! — Rich in History and Culture —
In 1913, Carl Fisher proposed the “Coast to Coast Rock Highway”. Eager to put America on wheels, executives from automobile and tire manufacturers quickly joined in the effort. At the inaugural meeting on July 1, 1913, the newly elected President, . . . — — Map (db m230819) HM
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54 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sandwich — 9-11 Memorial — 9-11-01 —
For those who gave all Proudly presented on 9 - 11 - 2011 by: Cub Scout Pack 345 & Girl Scout Troop 4737 — — Map (db m311017)
55 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sandwich — Cannon Restoration —
This cannon, a symbol to our community of everlasting freedom, is rededicated in memory of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who served our nation, foreign and domestic, and restored for and in the honor of all Restoration made . . . — — Map (db m311021) WM
56 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sandwich — POW-MIA Memorial — You Are Not Forgotten —
Dedicated to the prisoners of war and those missing in action, whose supreme sacrifice helped keep our nation free Rolling Thunder, IL — — Map (db m311025) WM
57 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sandwich — Stone Mill Museum —
In 1852, Sandwich pioneer William Patten returned from the gold fields of California with $2,000, a fortune at the time. With the coming of the Railroad in 1853, his son, Robert Patten, a carpenter, built the town's first lumberyard and steam . . . — — Map (db m264086) HM
58 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Shabbona — Chief Shabbona —
It was 1775, one year before the American Revolution that an Indian boy was born near the banks of the Kankakee River. A boy who would grow up to befriend the new nation's people. His Ottawa parents named him “Shab-eh-nay” (Shabbona), which means . . . — — Map (db m78301) HM
59 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Shabbona — Chief Shabbona Memorial —
A memorial to a great and noble Indian Chief Shabbona 1775 - 1859 — — Map (db m312130) WM
60 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Shabbona — Shabbona —
In the early 1800's Shabbona was a principal chief of the Ottowa, Potawatomi, and Chippewa group of tribes which banded together to form "The Three Fires." Shabbona camped briefly in a large grove one-half mile south of here. He fought with the . . . — — Map (db m313224) HM
61 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Shabbona — Shabbona Veterans Memorial —
In honor of those who fought in all wars of their nation, and in memory of those who gave their lives. Their sacrifices have preserved our freedom Shabbona Community — — Map (db m312125) WM
62 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — Chicago and Northwestern Depot —
Constructed in 1880 Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m230947) HM
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63 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — DeKalb County Civil War Memorial —
[Front panel:] DeKalb County To the memory of the men who fought to preserve the Union: "That the nation shall under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from . . . — — Map (db m257950) WM
64 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — DeKalb County Farm Bureau —
In 1912, an enterprising and forward-thinking group of farmers, businessmen, and bankers joined together to form the DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association. This grassroots coalition became the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, the first Farm Bureau . . . — — Map (db m230909) HM
65 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — DeKalb County Vietnam Veterans Memorial —
To the men from DeKalb County who died in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict Francis A. Anderson • Dale C. Brewer • Eatterson Byrd, Jr. • David Donnelly • Rodney G. Drake • Jimmy R. Harrison • Richard A. Henke • Richard L. Jossendal • George . . . — — Map (db m257965) WM
66 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — DeKalb Swine Breeders —
DeKalb Swine Breeders grew from the shared vision of two companies, Lubbock Swine Breeders Inc. (LSB) of Lubbock, Texas, and DeKalb AgResearch, Inc. (DeKalb) of DeKalb, Illinois, that synergistically combined to transform agriculture. LSB began . . . — — Map (db m230908) HM
67 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — For God and Country —
In memory of Dekalb County veterans and those men and women who gave their lives in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam for the defense of our nation. — — Map (db m257964) WM
68 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — Marsh Harvester —
In the mid to late 1800s, northern Illinois witnessed substantial agricultural innovations. Along with such developments as John Deere's steel plow and the barbed wire of Glidden-Ellwood-Haish, the Marsh Harvester brought significant change to . . . — — Map (db m310389) HM
69 ► Illinois, DeKalb County, Sycamore — Sycamore Historic District —
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 . . . — — Map (db m257947) HM
 
 
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Oct. 10, 2026