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DeKalb, Illinois

Located in DeKalb County, Illinois, DeKalb was established in 1856. Barbed wire invented 1874. DeKalb Genetics seed corn.
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Founded 1856 | Population 43,000 | Peak 43,000 (2024) | County DeKalb County

Top 10 Most Important Events for DeKalb, Illinois

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1856Founded: DeKalb was founded by colonial settlers in DeKalb County.
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1874Barbed Wire: Invented here.
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1874Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define DeKalb's character and economy.
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2010Modern Era: DeKalb continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Dekalb

Feb 20, 2026
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.

Complete Historical Timeline

1856 Culture
Founded
1874 Industry
Barbed Wire
1874 Culture
Higher Education
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Barbed wire invented 1874.
2
NIU here.
3
DeKalb Genetics seed corn.
4
DeKalb is located in DeKalb County, Illinois.
5
DeKalb was founded in 1856.

Famous People from Dekalb, Illinois

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Cindy Crawford
Actor, Model · Born Feb 20, 1966 · Age 60
RJ
Richard Jenkins
Actor, Stage Actor · Born May 4, 1947 · Age 78
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Barbara Hale
Actor, Television Actor · Born Apr 18, 1922 · Died Jan 26, 2017 (age 94)
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W. Willard Wirtz
Jurist · Born Mar 14, 1912 · Died Apr 24, 2010 (age 98)
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A. J. Bramlett
Basketball Player · Born Jan 10, 1977 · Age 49
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