Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center, Illinois, United States
5.0 (1 review) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #12 in DeKalb Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Home of the inventor of barbed wire
Barbed wire is considered to be one of the most important factors in American progress and settlement of the United States west of the Mississippi River. The inventor of barbed wire was Joseph F. Glidden, who improved on an earlier concept by Henry Rose and developed a two-strand, twisted barbed wire, dubbed "The Winner," which eventually transformed him into a successful entrepreneur. Glidden built his French Colonial house in 1861. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The two-story house, located on Route 38 or the Lincoln Highway, near DeKalb, Illinois, 60 miles west of Chicago, is constructed from locally fired brick. It is supported by a fieldstone foundation and still features its original front porch, which spans the length of the building's south facade and is supported by four wooden pillars. The interior of the building remains much as it was when Glidden lived in the house. Also surviving is the barn where Glidden perfected his improved version of barbed wire. Despite its high historical significance, the barn wasn't included as part of the NRHP listing for the property until 2002. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the invention of barbed wire and its broader impact on the nation's development. To access the Glidden House, via I-88, take the Glidden Road exit north to Lincoln Highway, turn east, one block, to the parking lot.
Address
921 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115-3011
Mobile
Website
http://www.gliddenhomestead.org/
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 11:25
User Ratings
5.0 based on (1 review)
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