DeKalb, Illinois

DeKalb, Illinois can be found on the banks of the Kishwaukee River in Northern Illinois, surrounded by rolling hills of the prairie. The city is named after Johann DeKalb, a decorated German war hero who died during the American Revolutionary War. In 1856, with a population of just under 2,000, DeKalb became an incorporated city.

Since its founding in 1837, DeKalb’s economy has centered on agricultural industries. Farmers experienced increasing success when the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company came to town, offering farmers trouble-free shipping and access to larger markets. In the late 19th century, a farmer who cultivated osage orange hedges noticed the thorns made them effective as cattle fencing and subsequently, invented barbed wire and founded the Jacob Haish Company. With a growing, profitable community in place, education was introduced to DeKalb’s landscape; the Northern Illinois State Normal School was founded in 1895. The school is now known as Northern Illinois University and is the second largest in the state. Other companies that operated in DeKalb include the Wurlitzer Company and American Steel and Wire Company. Current top employers in the city are Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee Health System.

As a result of DeKalb’s manufacturing history, asbestos in the workplace has been a problem for many years. Workers who were exposed to asbestos are at risk to develop mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related lung cancer. For your convenience, we have listed mesothelioma doctors near DeKalb at the bottom of this page. An asbestos law firm may also be able to assist you if you were exposed to asbestos in DeKalb, Illinois.

Jobsites in DeKalb where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in DeKalb, IL have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near DeKalb, IL

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of DeKalb, IL. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near DeKalb, IL

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of DeKalb, IL. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.