Carlos Lattin was the first permanent settler in the DeKalb county seat of Sycamore, Illinois. Lattin arrived in Sycamore in 1835 and constructed a log cabin near the site of present-day downtown Sycamore, just north of Downtown Shoes, at 307 S. State St. (Illinois 64). The site is marked by a plaque at that address.
In 1854 Lattin had a new home constructed in the 300 block of Somonauk St. The 1854 Greek Revival house still stands and is considered part of the Sycamore Historic District. The home also exhibits the traits of the Upright and Wing style shown in the Lampert-Wildflower House in Belvidere, Illinois, although it is executed more elegantly here, in the Greek Revival Lattin House.
Lattin worked as a farmer and lumber dealer, eventually serving as DeKalb County Treasurer. He also worked as a correspondent for the Chicago Democrat.
The Sycamore Historic District became part of the National Register of Historic Places in May of 1978.
Online Resources
*Carlos Lattin House: 1970s photograph
*Wikipedia: Carlos Lattin House, Sycamore Historic District (by me – as are the related articles)
*Sycamore Historic District: National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
Follow the Gonzo trail to Lee County tomorrow, with a quick stop before we hit Dixon. Stay tuned.
A note about Sycamore’s historic district: There are over two hundred properties in the boundaries of the Sycamore Historic District. Of those 187 are contributing properties to the historic district, 22 are non-contributing. Of all of the district’s homes and buildings 75% fit the historic district concept. Some of the major structures include several Queen Anne style mansions, the town library, the county courthouse, and dozens of mid to late 19th century houses.
