The Thorny Tale of DeKalb, Illinois: Birthplace of Barbed Wire

DeKalb, Illinois, dubbed "Barb City," became the birthplace of barbed wire in the 1870s when Joseph Glidden, Isaac Ellwood, and Jacob Haish turned a simple fencing idea into an economic juggernaut, transforming the American West. Their rivalry fueled innovation and legal battles, while their wealth built landmarks like Northern Illinois University and the Ellwood House, leaving a lasting legacy. From humble barns to industrial factories, DeKalb’s barbed wire saga is a tale of ingenuity, ambition, and a thorny invention that reshaped a nation.