Cairo, County seat in Alexander County, Illinois.
Description
Cairo is a county seat in Alexander County, Illinois. The town sits on a narrow peninsula where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi, surrounded by water on three sides.
History
Settlers founded the town in 1818 and named it after the Egyptian city because of its location between two rivers. During the nineteenth century it grew into an important hub for riverboats and railroads.
Culture
The city maintains several administrative buildings and structures that reflect its role as the governmental center of Alexander County.
Practical
The courthouse building downtown holds the county administrative offices, which are open on weekdays. Visitors can find information about public records and local government services on site.
Did you know?
The town sits at the southernmost point of Illinois, farther south than parts of Missouri and Kentucky. This location made it a strategic spot for the Union during the Civil War.
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Fort Defiance
4.3 km
Cairo Mississippi River Bridge
4.8 km
Church of Hosios David
8.1 km
Wickliffe Mounds
9.1 km
Magnolia Manor
448 m
Cache River
6 km
Cairo Ohio River Bridge
3.7 km
Cairo Rail Bridge
1.2 km
Cairo I-57 Bridge
3 kmTwin Mounds Site
6.9 km
Cairo Historic District
990 mAxe Lake Swamp State Nature Preserve
11.3 km
Dogtooth Bend Mounds and Village Site
14.8 km
Mound City National Cemetery
8.2 km
Marshall Site
15.4 km
Mound City Civil War Naval Hospital
8.2 km
Pulaski County Courthouse
8.7 km
Ballard County Courthouse
9.7 km
Barlow House
12.7 km
Trimble House
9.4 kmGem Theatre
1.8 kmKing Theatre
12.2 kmCharleston Country Club
14.6 kmEgyptian Country Club
14.4 kmCairo River Wall Murals
1.4 kmWork of art
1.7 kmLowest Point in Illinois
4.8 kmScenic viewpoint
4.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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