Cairo, Illinois USA
Ranked #2,153 in Travel & Places, #74,192 overall
Cairo, IL - Gateway to the South
Historically, Cairo was a thriving city. People thought Cairo was going to be what Chicago is now. It is located at the southern tip of Illinois (Ohio and Mississippi rivers), so it was perfect for river trade. I live 1 1/2 hours away from Cairo. My mom and dad grew up and went to school there and I went there often as a child to visit my grandparents. The main picture on the left is an old postcard at the intersection of 8th and Commercial looking west. Country artist Josh Thompson recently recorded his music video for "Way Out Here" in Cairo. If you take a look at his video, and then look at my pictures - you might recognize some places!
History
Cairo was named after Cairo, Egypt (although not pronounced the same) because of its location by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Some call Cairo, IL "Little Egypt".
Cairo was centered around an intense civil rights movement. There were many riots and historical events that took place in Cairo, Illinois. My family can tell you many stories of this time period, but there are are books listed below that capture the history of this town very well.
Here is a small time line of a few famous people that visited Cairo.
1813: Gen. Andrew Jackson camped on the site of Cairo with 1,500 troops.
1842: Charles Dickens
1861: Generals Prentiss and Grant establish their headquarters at Cairo.
1881: President Jefferson Davis
1907: President Theodore Roosevelt
1909: President William H. Taft
Present Time
Many people have left due to the lack of money and interest in Cairo. Cairo is full of history and stories, but has been left in abandonment. It is a sad place to be because there is so much potential and it is not being fulfilled for one reason or another. Much of the city is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
(Photo taken by me winter 2009)
Recent Cairo News
updated eveery 30 minutes
- Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Mubarak's sons ...
- More >> By HAMZA HENDAWI Associated Press CAIRO (AP) - Hosni Mubarak's two sons were accused Wednesday with insider trading in a new case opened just three days before they and their elderly father are to hear the verdict in a separate trial on charges ...
- Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Egypt's ...
- Morsi's comments came hours after some 400 protesters chanting slogans against Shafiq stormed and vandalized his Cairo campaign headquarters. The protesters set the building ablaze after making away with computers, television sets and air conditioners.
- Midwest events
- Miles from Chicago: 170 June 8-24: Southern Illinois Music Festival. The eighth annual event features dozens of performances in venues from Mount Vernon to Cairo and Murphysboro to Marion, with Southern Illinois University in Carbondale at the heart of ...
- US Mosques Struggle Against Sentiments
- CAIRO ? Amid opposition to building Muslim worship places, Muslims in the US city of DeKalb, Illinois, are struggling to get official permission to build a mosque to serve their community, assuring neighbors and officials on the true nature of the ...
Josh Thompson - Way Out Here
Take a Poll about Cairo
Books about Cairo, Illinois
Civil War
Cyclone In Calico The Story Of Mry Ann Bickerdyke
Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)
The true story of a Civil War nurse taken place in Cairo, Illinois.
Greetings From Cairo, Illinois
Cairo Video
Tips for visiting Cairo, Illinois
2. Visit during the month of December. The town sets up a big Christmas tree, lights up the town park, and decorates Magnolia Manor.
3. If you would like to see the Magnolia Trees in bloom, travel during the spring or summer.
Nearby Sites of interest:
- Mounds City National Cemetery
- Horseshoe Lake
- Cache River
Learn about Magnolia Manor, the famous landmark in Cairo
The Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Cairo, Illinois Photographic Poster Print, 12x16
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
A great view of the the tip of Illinois and where the two rivers meet.
Cairo Illinois Shirts
Show your love for Cairo Illinois by sporting these shirts.
Cairo Illinois Women's Light T-Shirt
Price: $20.99
Cairo Illinois Women's Tank Top
Price: $19.99
Cairo Illinois Women's T-Shirt
Price: $20.99
Guestbook
Have you ever been to Cairo, IL? Lived there? Have a story to tell? Like my Lens? Leave your feedback here.
Did you find something useful?
Add to the Tip Jar
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mbgphoto May 11, 2011 @ 3:00 pm | delete
- Very interesting lens on Cairo. Blessed by a SquidAngel
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PeteSchultz
Feb 25, 2011 @ 10:17 am | delete
- I like to visit travel oriented lenses, and enjoyed yours very much. I agree with your summation that Cairo has much unfulfilled potential. The video and photos of abandonded homes and empty storefronts is both depressing and fascinating.
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awelldressedbullet
Feb 14, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
- ~ Cupid Kisses by a Squidoo Angel ~
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CoolFoto Feb 13, 2011 @ 8:28 pm | delete
- Fascinating lens. Blessed by neighborhood Squid Angel and added to www.squidoo.com/angel-of-travel .
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photofk3
Jan 11, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete
- Awesome lens.
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- Load More
Grab a piece of Cairo on Ebay.
Current Weather
Current weather conditions in Cairo, IL
Local Pollen Reports
79°F (Feels like 78°F)
Last update: 5/30/12 7:55 PM CDT
Humidity: 44%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 55°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.85in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5mph From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Low
Low: 64°F
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 8:10 PM
Thursday
May 31
N/A
High: 84°F
Low: 53°F
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 8:10 PM
Friday
Jun 1
T-Storms
High: 77°F
Low: 54°F
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 8:11 PM
Saturday
Jun 2
Sunny
High: 78°F
Low: 61°F
Sunrise: 5:38 AM
Sunset: 8:12 PM
Websites of Interest
2. http://www.pilotlight2000.com/historic/library.htm --- Public Library
3. http://www.southernmostillinoishistory.net/customhouse.htm --- Custom House & Post Office
by jewelkid87
My name is Bethany. I'm 23 years old and I live in Southern Illinois. I have a degree in Criminal Justice. I am an animal lover, vegetarian and a Britney... more »
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1888 map of Cairo, Illinois
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
A History of the City of Cairo, Illinois
Amazon Price: $19.48 (as of 05/30/2012)
The Cairo Project
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
