According to Liuxers, DeKalb County is located in the northern part of Illinois and is home to a population of over 105,000 people according to the 2019 US Census. The county seat is Sycamore and its largest city is DeKalb. DeKalb County covers an area of 866 square miles and borders Kane, Ogle, Lee, LaSalle, Kendall, and Winnebago Counties.
DeKalb County’s economy is largely based on agriculture and manufacturing. The county produces large amounts of corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, livestock, dairy products, eggs and other specialty crops. It also produces a variety of manufactured goods such as automotive parts and electronics.
DeKalb County boasts a strong education system with two major universities: Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Kishwaukee College located in Malta. Both campuses offer degrees in many fields including business administration, engineering technology and health sciences. The county also has several public high schools including DeKalb High School which was named one of the top 100 high schools in the nation by U.S News & World Report in 2019.
The county offers plenty of recreational activities for residents to enjoy including hiking trails at Sycamore Trails Park or golfing at one of the many local golf courses like Fox Valley Golf Club or Prairie View Golf Course. There are also several museums such as Ellwood House Museum or Kishwaukee River Museum that offer educational experiences for visitors to learn more about the region’s history.
DeKalb County has a rich history dating back to 1837 when it was established as part of the Northwest Territory by President Andrew Jackson’s executive order. Today, it remains an important part of Illinois with its vibrant economy and educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
History of DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb County, Illinois was established in 1837 as part of the Northwest Territory by President Andrew Jackson’s executive order. DeKalb County is located in the northern part of Illinois and is home to a population of over 105,000 people according to the 2019 US Census. The county seat is Sycamore and its largest city is DeKalb.
The history of DeKalb County began in 1835 when a group of settlers from New England arrived to the area. The settlers were led by Dr. Phineas Babbitt who purchased a large tract of land from the Potawatomi Native Americans and founded the town of Sycamore. Other early settlers quickly followed and soon more towns like Cortland, Malta, Genoa, Kingston, Hinckley and Sandwich were established in the area.
In 1837, President Jackson signed an act that officially created DeKalb County with Sycamore as its county seat. During this time period the county was largely agricultural with most residents relying on farming as their main source of income. As time went on more businesses began to move into the area which helped stimulate economic growth and development in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County experienced significant growth during World War II when many large manufacturing plants moved into the area which provided jobs for many residents and brought an influx of new people into the region. After WWII ended many veterans decided to stay in DeKalb County due to its relatively low cost of living compared to other parts of Illinois or even other states like California or New York.
Today, DeKalb County remains an important part of Illinois with its vibrant economy and educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. It boasts a strong education system with two major universities: Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and Kishwaukee College located in Malta as well as several public high schools including DeKalb High School which was named one of the top 100 high schools in the nation by U.S News & World Report in 2019.
Major cities and towns in DeKalb County, Illinois
The largest city in DeKalb County, Illinois is the city of DeKalb. This historic city was founded in 1837 and has a population of over 44,000 people. DeKalb is home to Northern Illinois University and features a vibrant downtown area with popular restaurants and shops. Additionally, the city hosts many festivals throughout the year including the annual Corn Fest which celebrates its agricultural heritage.
Sycamore is another major city in DeKalb County. It has a population of around 17,500 people and is known for its charming downtown area featuring several antique stores and quaint restaurants. Additionally, Sycamore is home to the historic Sycamore Speedway which hosts races throughout the year. The town also holds an annual Pumpkin Festival every October that celebrates its agricultural history as well as its connection to pumpkins.
Genoa is another small city located in DeKalb County with a population of around 5,800 people. Genoa was founded in 1835 and features many historic homes from this era as well as several parks and trails for outdoor recreation. Additionally, Genoa hosts an annual Summerfest celebration each June that includes live music performances, carnival rides, food vendors, and more.
Airports in DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb County, Illinois is served by two airports, DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport and Chicago Rockford International Airport. See Illinois airports. DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport is located in the city of DeKalb and is a public-use airport owned by the City of DeKalb. The airport has two runways and serves general aviation aircraft and recreational flyers. Additionally, the airport is home to several flight schools that provide pilot training services.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located about 40 miles northwest of DeKalb County in Belvidere, Illinois. This commercial service airport serves over 1.2 million passengers each year and offers flights to various destinations throughout North America. It features two runways and a large terminal with shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers. Additionally, Chicago Rockford International Airport also serves as a cargo hub for FedEx Express with daily cargo flights to various destinations across the United States.