Learn More About De Kalb, Texas
De Kalb is a small city located in Bowie County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Texarkana, TexasâTexarkana, Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area and has a population of 3,945 as of 2019. De Kalb is considered a rural farming community and is home to several local industries, such as cotton and timber production.
De Kalb was first established in 1854, when the Houston and Great Northern Railroad built a connecting line from Texarkana, Texas to the Red River near the town of Juliette, Texas. The line was extended through De Kalb to Jefferson, Texas in 1873, and the town was officially incorporated in 1875. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, commercial growth began to decline in De Kalb as the railroad industry declined and area residents began to look for more reliable work in larger cities.
In the 1940s, De Kalb’s commercial activity was reawakened when the nearby Red River Army Depot was opened. The Depot was used to store and maintain tanks and other helicopters used during World War II and the Korean War. Eventually, the Depot was closed in 1966, but not before giving the town a major economic boost.
Today, De Kalb is a bustling community of 3,945 people. It is well known for its deep agricultural roots and its local festivals such as the Freedom Festival and Annual Cornbread Cookoff. The majority of the population is employed in such sectors as health care and manufacturing, with a strong presence of agricultural jobs in De Kalb as well.
In recent years, De Kalb has seen an increase in tourism due to its rural landscape and small-town atmosphere. Its proximity to Texarkana, Dallas, and Shreveport, LA make it an ideal stopping point for travelers looking for a slower and more laid-back pace of life. In the coming years, De Kalb is expected to continue to experience steady growth, making it the perfect destination for those looking to get away from it all.