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
On Woodley Avenue north of Miller Avenue when traveling north.
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
Near West Lincoln Highway (Illinois Route 38) east of West Locust Street, on the left when traveling east.
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
On Palmer Court at North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east on Palmer Court.
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
On North 1st Street at Palmer Court, on the right when traveling north on North 1st Street.
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
Near Sycamore Road (Illinois Route 23) 0.1 miles north of Gateway Drive, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Roberts Lane south of Roberts Circle, on the right when traveling south.
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
On Palmer Court east of North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east.
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
On East Lincoln Highway (Illinois Route 38) at North 1st Street, on the right when traveling west on East Lincoln Highway.
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
Near Carroll Avenue south of Lucinda Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
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
On Linden Place north of Augusta Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
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
Near Castle Drive at College Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
On Oak Street west of North 4th Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Linden Place north of Augusta Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
On North 1st Street north of Augusta Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
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
On College Avenue at Castle Drive, on the left when traveling west on College Avenue.
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
On Castle Drive at West Lincoln Highway ( Route 38), on the right when traveling north on Castle Drive.
"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
On West Lincoln Highway (Illinois Route 38) east of Castle Drive, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Castle Drive at West Lincoln Highway ( Route 38), on the left when traveling north on Castle Drive.
"...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
Near Linden Place north of Augusta Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
Near Linden Place west of North 1st Street, on the right when traveling north.
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
On North 4th Street north of Lincoln Highway ( Route 38), on the right when traveling north.
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
On Clifford Drive just west of Hickory Street, on the left when traveling west.
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
On Crego Road 1 mile south of Perry Road (County Road 7), on the left when traveling north.
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
On North 1st Street, on the left when traveling north.
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
On Nelson Road north of Lincoln Highway ( Route 38), on the right when traveling north.
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
Near Bethany Road east of Sycamore Street ( Route 23), on the right when traveling east.
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
On Fairview Drive east of Nelson Road, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Lincoln Avenue (U.S. 30) 0.1 miles east of Somonauk Road (County Route 10), on the right when traveling west.
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
On Maple Street at Lincoln Avenue (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north on Maple Street.
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
On Maple Street north of Lincoln Avenue (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north.
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
Near Malta Road (County Highway 31) 0.1 miles north of Lincoln Highway (State Route 38), on the left when traveling north.
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
Near Malta Road (County Highway 31) 0.1 miles north of Lincoln Highway (State Route 38), on the left when traveling north.
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
On Jefferson Street at North 3rd Street, on the left when traveling west on Jefferson Street.
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
Near Malta Road (County Highway 31) 0.1 miles north of Lincoln Highway (State Route 38), on the left when traveling north.
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
Near Malta Road (County Highway 31) 0.1 miles north of Lincoln Highway (State Route 38), on the left when traveling north.
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
Near Malta Road (County Highway 31) 0.1 miles north of Lincoln Highway (State Route 38), on the left when traveling north.
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
On South Main Street (County Highway 11) south of South Street, on the left when traveling north.
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
On South Main Street north of Lions Road, on the left when traveling north.
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
On Railroad Street at North Lafayette Street, on the left when traveling east on Railroad Street.
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
Near Chief Shabbona County Forest Preserve 0.5 miles south of Preserve Road.
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
On East Comanche Avenue (Illinois Route 30) at Indian Road, on the right when traveling east on East Comanche Avenue.
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
On North Illini Street south of East Navaho Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
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
On State Street (Illinois Route 64) near Main Street ( Route 23).
[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
Near West Prairie Drive east of Peace Road, on the right when traveling east.
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
Near State Street (Illinois Route 64) west of Main Street ( Route 23), on the right.
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
Near Aberdeen Court 0.1 miles south of Bethany Road, on the right when traveling south.
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
Near West State Street (Illinois Route 64) west of Main Street ( Route 23), on the right when traveling east.
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
On Edward Street east of South Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
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
On State Street (Illinois Route 64) near Main Street ( Route 23), on the right when traveling west.
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
