Sycamore

Sycamore is the administrative seat of DeKalb County in Illinois, located about 55 miles northwest of Chicago. The city has a commercial core with two-story buildings along Illinois Route 64 and a notable courthouse built in 1904.

The settlement began in 1835 when Christian Sharer, a New Yorker, surveyed the original town layout and initially called it Orange. Legal proceedings later established it as the county seat and brought about its current name.

The historic district displays homes and buildings from different periods, showing how the city developed since the 1800s. Walking through the streets, you can see the changes in building styles across the generations.

The city has several parks and recreational facilities that are easy to reach year-round. Schools and shops are well spread throughout, making it practical to explore different areas.

Each October, the town hosts an annual festival where hundreds of decorated pumpkins are displayed on the courthouse lawn. This celebration began in 1962 and has remained a recurring local tradition ever since.

Location: DeKalb County

Inception: 1835

Elevation above the sea: 253 m

Website: http://cityofsycamore.com

GPS coordinates: 41.99500,-88.68124

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:44