DeKalb () is a city in Illinois in the United States. The population was 40,290 at the 2020 census. The city is named after decorated German war hero Johann De Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War.
Notable people
Charles I. Barber, architect, born in DeKalb
George Franklin Barber, architect, born in DeKalb
Charles Bronson, an hardcore punk band
Cindy Crawford, supermodel
Isaac L. Ellwood, rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur
Joseph Glidden, farmer who patented barbed wire
Jacob Haish, one of the inventors of barbed wire
Barbara Hale, Emmy Award-winning actress
Judas Iscariot, a black metal band
Richard Jenkins, actor
Mel Owens, linebacker for the L.A. Rams
Richard Powers, author
W. Willard Wirtz, Secretary of Labor; his DeKalb home is preserved on the NIU campus Mike Heimerdinger, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator A. J. Bramlett, former professional basketball player