DeKalb County's population: In 1840 - 1,968. In 1849 - 6,000. In 1890 - 24,307. In 1930 - 24,911. In 2000 - 40,525.
DeKalb County Historical Locations
DeKalb County has several downtown Historical Districts. The Downtown Auburn Historical District is composed mostly of the 19th and early 20th century commercial buildings, the Downtown Butler Historical District encompasses most of the town’s commercial buildings dating back to 1863, and the Downtown Garrett Historical District comprising residential, civic, commercial and religious structures most of which were built between 1880-1930.
DeKalb County Courthouse
The DeKalb County Courthouse is a must for those interested in architectural design. Built in 1911, the building is modern Ionic Greek in a parallelogram shape. The highlight of the building is the dome which is capped with Florentine Art Glass, illuminated by a skylight by day and sixty electric lights at night.
Sechler's Pickles
Visit Sechler's Pickles where a family tradition of pickle processing spans over 75 years. Shop the rustic retail showroom with over 40 varieties of pickle products. Tours available.
Visit the 100 year old Spencerville Covered Bridge. Built in 1873, it is the only remaining covered bridge in DeKalb County. It was placed on the National Historical Registry in 1981.
Step back in time and visit a 158 year-old hardware store. Established in 1850, it is the oldest continually operating hardware store in the same location in Indiana. The hardware has a vast selection of kitchenware and gadgets, plus the largest variety of Old World Christmas ornaments.
203 South Main St. Auburn, IN 46706 PH: 260-925-3610
Carbaugh Jewelers
The history of Carbaugh Jewelers dates back to 1901, making it a part of the downtown business district for 108 years. Walking into this unique store makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Old photographs and antique memorabilia lend an air of timeless beauty to the jewelry and watches that are displayed in the lovely preserved display cases.
108 East 7th St. Auburn, IN 46706 PH: 260-925-3113
A Walk Through History
Take a walk back in time past the homes of Auburn’s pioneers and visionaries. Included along this 2 ½ mile selfguided walking tour are the DeKalb County Courthouse; the E. L. Cord Estate, Mr. Cord was president of the Auburn Automobile Company that designed and built the famous Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg automobiles; the home of Morris Eckhart, whose family started the Eckhart Carriage Company in 1896; U.S. Congressman James T. Farley’s estate and the historic Eckhart Library to name a few. Each of the 44 locations was built during the first 30 years of the 20th Century and reflects the prosperity of the “Golden Age” of Auburn’s transportation heritage. This walking tour will surely enhance your visit to DeKalb County’s museums as you are transported to a time when Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs rolled down Auburn streets. Contact the Visitors Bureau for a free brochure.
DeKalb County has several downtown Historical Districts. The Downtown Auburn Historical District is composed mostly of the 19th and early 20th century commercial buildings, the Downtown Butler Historical District encompasses most of the town’s commercial buildings dating back to 1863, and the Downtown Garrett Historical District comprising residential, civic, commercial and religious structures most of which were built between 1880-1930.
The DeKalb County Courthouse is a must for those interested in architectural design. Built in 1911, the building is modern Ionic Greek in a parallelogram shape. The highlight of the building is the dome which is capped with Florentine Art Glass, illuminated by a skylight by day and sixty electric lights at night.
Visit 
Visit the 100 year old 
Step back in time and visit a 158 year-old hardware store. Established in 1850, it is the oldest continually operating hardware store in the same location in Indiana. The hardware has a vast selection of kitchenware and gadgets, plus the largest variety of Old World Christmas ornaments.
The history of Carbaugh Jewelers dates back to 1901, making it a part of the downtown business district for 108 years. Walking into this unique store makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Old photographs and antique memorabilia lend an air of timeless beauty to the jewelry and watches that are displayed in the lovely preserved display cases.
Take a walk back in time past the homes of Auburn’s pioneers and visionaries. Included along this 2 ½ mile selfguided walking tour are the DeKalb County Courthouse; the E. L. Cord Estate, Mr. Cord was president of the Auburn Automobile Company that designed and built the famous Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg automobiles; the home of Morris Eckhart, whose family started the Eckhart Carriage Company in 1896; U.S. Congressman James T. Farley’s estate and the historic Eckhart Library to name a few. Each of the 44 locations was built during the first 30 years of the 20th Century and reflects the prosperity of the “Golden Age” of Auburn’s transportation heritage. This walking tour will surely enhance your visit to DeKalb County’s museums as you are transported to a time when Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs rolled down Auburn streets. Contact the Visitors Bureau for a free brochure.
