History thumb|left|Ellwood House, the home of entrepreneur Isaac L. Ellwood DeKalb was originally called Huntley's Grove, and under the latter name was platted in 1853. The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb, a major general in the American Revolutionary War. The first church in DeKalb was organized in 1844. Beginning in 1846, a stage coach traveled from Chicago through DeKalb and Dixon to Galena. A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849. The first railroad reached DeKalb in 1853.
History thumb|left|Ellwood House the home of entrepreneur Isaac L Ellwood DeKalb was originally called Huntley's Grove and under the latter name was platted in 1853 The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb a major general in the American Revolutionary War The first church in DeKalb was organized in 1844 Beginning in 1846 a stage coach traveled from Chicago through DeKalb and Dixon to Galena A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849 The first railroad reached DeKalb in 1853