DeKalb County was designated in 1822 from parts of Henry, Gwinnett and Fayette counties. At one time it contained all of the City of Atlanta and much of what was to become Fulton County. In naming the county, its founders honored Baron Johann DeKalb who accompanied LaFayette and served in the Continental Army. He was captured and died in a British prison. Decatur, the county seat, is named for naval hero Stephen Decatur.