Glidden added to IL Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Joseph F. Glidden, the DeKalb farmer, inventor, and businessman whose revolutionary barbed wire transformed agriculture across the American West, has been inducted into the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA).

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognizing the people, products, and companies that have shaped more than two centuries of manufacturing excellence in Illinois. Glidden joins a distinguished group of innovators whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the state’s economy, industries, and history.

Established in 2024, the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame celebrates more than 200 years of manufacturing in Illinois. Today, manufacturing remains the state’s largest contributor to Gross Domestic Product, supporting nearly one-third of all Illinois jobs and generating more than $580 billion annually.

The award was accepted on behalf of the JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center by Executive Director Jessi Haish LaRue during the Hall of Fame ceremony on June 25 at The Westin Chicago Lombard.

“It is incredibly exciting to see Joseph Glidden recognized alongside some of Illinois’ greatest manufacturers, innovators, and history-makers,” said LaRue. “His invention changed the course of agriculture, helped shape the American frontier, and put DeKalb on the map as a center of innovation. This honor celebrates not only his remarkable legacy, but also the enduring importance of preserving and sharing the story of where that innovation began.”

The Homestead was supported at the event by representatives from Northern Illinois University and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, as well as Richard and Sarah Glidden DeMink.

“The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 represents a cross section of more than 200 years of Illinois manufacturing. From iconic products that have revolutionized daily life, companies that have transformed our society, and visionary leaders who dedicated themselves to building a brighter tomorrow, we are proud to honor these history-makers,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, in announcing the 2026 class.

Glidden was recognized not only for inventing and manufacturing “The Winner” barbed wire at his DeKalb homestead in 1873, but also for his lasting contributions to the community. As his Hall of Fame plaque reads:
“A DeKalb businessman and farmer, Glidden is widely known as the ‘Father of Barbed Wire.’ His invention helped transform agriculture and settlement by enabling the fencing of open land across the West, putting DeKalb on the map as a center of innovation. Glidden later donated 63 acres of his homestead for the creation of Northern Illinois State Normal School, now Northern Illinois University.”

The plaque is now on display at the JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. The museum is open Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.