DeKalb is just south of Sycamore and arguably has the better architecture. With nearby Northern Illinois University and landmarks such as the Egyptian Theatre and Ellwood House, it forms a sort of gate into suburban Kane County along I-88.
DeKalb, the "Barb City," is a city in DeKalb County in northeastern Illinois. With a population of over 40,000 people as of 2020, it is the largest city in DeKalb County, though it was a small town in the past and experienced rapid growth between 1950 and 1970.
DeKalb was founded as Huntley's Grove and platted in 1853, though a post office and church existed there beforehand. Along with its connection to the railroad, the town grew due to its manufacture of barbed wire, as the modern style of barbed wire was invented by resident Joseph Glidden.
Northern Illinois University was established in DeKalb in 1895, the city's largest employer today and a prominent college in Northern Illinois.
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