De Kalb, West Virginia facts for kids
De Kalb is a small, unincorporated community located in Gilmer County, in the state of West Virginia, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes or buildings that doesn't have its own local government, like a town or city. Instead, it's usually part of a larger county.
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De Kalb: A Small Community
De Kalb is a quiet place in the heart of West Virginia. It's not a big city or even a small town with a mayor and town council. Instead, it's a collection of homes and people living together in a specific area within Gilmer County. Many small communities like De Kalb exist across the country, often with interesting histories.
Where is De Kalb?
This community is found in West Virginia, a state known for its beautiful mountains and forests. West Virginia is in the eastern part of the United States. De Kalb is specifically located within Gilmer County, which is in the central part of West Virginia.
The Story of De Kalb's Name
The history of De Kalb is quite simple but tells us a bit about how communities grow and change. A long time ago, a post office was opened here. A post office is where people send and receive letters and packages. This shows that enough people lived in the area to need a place for their mail.
The post office was first called "De Kalb." Later, in 1894, its name was officially changed slightly to "Dekalb." However, the post office eventually closed in 1941. This often happens when communities change, or people move to other areas.
The community itself was named after a famous historical figure: Johann de Kalb. Someone living in the area admired him greatly and decided to name the community in his honor.
Who Was Johann de Kalb?
Johann de Kalb was a German-born military officer who became a hero in the American Revolutionary War. He was a major general in the Continental Army, which was the army of the American colonies fighting for independence from Great Britain. He was known for his bravery and leadership. Naming a community after someone like him was a way for people to show respect for his contributions to history and freedom.
