Cairo, Illinois USA

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Cairo, IL - Gateway to the South

Looking for information on Cairo, Illinois?

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

There were great expectations for Cairo, Illinois when it was founded in 1837. Located at the lower tip of Illinois, between the Mississippi and Ohio river, was a great city for transferring goods. There were steamboats all along the river for river trade. The town also had railroads which was also a plus for attracting people to Cairo. It was slowly growing, but did not become what was expected.

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.
cairo illinois

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

Even though Cairo itself seems unwelcoming now, some of the people are still very friendly. They are old timers who have been there for years, and will help you with whatever you need.

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.

Photobucket


(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

This was recorded in Cairo, IL. He showcased the rundown downtown area for most of the video.
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Way Out Here on ITUNES

Track Artist Album  
Way Out Here Josh Thompson Way Out Here

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Books about Cairo, Illinois

Learn even more about Cairo Illinois by reading these books.
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Civil War

Cyclone In Calico The Story Of Mry Ann Bickerdyke

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The true story of a Civil War nurse taken place in Cairo, Illinois.

Greetings From Cairo, Illinois

The town of Cairo, IL even inspired an entire music album! Preview the songs here and click on them to buy the ones you like!

Pictures of Cairo, Illinois

I took some pictures in 2009 of some houses and places in Cairo. Click on them to view the larger version. There are more pics on the website when you click through.

Cairo Video

This is a video I found that has a lot of good video images of Cairo.
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Tips for visiting Cairo, Illinois

1. Don't speed through town. I have heard many stories of being pulled over easily going 1 mile over. I never chance it!
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

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The Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Cairo, Illinois Photographic Poster Print, 12x16

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

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.

Guestbook

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  • mbgphoto May 11, 2011 @ 3:00 pm | delete
    Very interesting lens on Cairo. Blessed by a SquidAngel
  • 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.
  • awelldressedbullet Feb 14, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
    ~ Cupid Kisses by a Squidoo Angel ~
  • CoolFoto Feb 13, 2011 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    Fascinating lens. Blessed by neighborhood Squid Angel and added to www.squidoo.com/angel-of-travel .
  • photofk3 Jan 11, 2011 @ 1:47 pm | delete
    Awesome lens.
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Grab a piece of Cairo on Ebay.

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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
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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

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)Buy Now

 

A History of the City of Cairo, Illinois

Amazon Price: $19.48 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

 

The Cairo Project

Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now