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The Final Stop on the 7-County Road Trip Along the Ohio River

Alexander County was named for Dr. William M. Alexander, a pioneer and physician held in high esteem in the early 1800's. He was an agent for the town of America, the first county seat and later became Speaker of the House of Representatives. The county was organized in 1819 and was the first county established in Illinois. At the 1820 census, the county boasted only 625 residents in its 236 square miles of land. Since its organization, the county seat has changed several and is today located in Cairo. The county population swelled to more than 19,000 in 1900 but as of the 2000 census the count sat at 1900.

After leaving Mound City, follow Illinois Route 51 south to Illinois Route 3, turn east. This brings you into the city of Cairo, once a bustling city and key location during the Civil War. General Ulysses S. Grant made his base of operations here at Fort Defiance at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Fort Defiance itself is no longer here but a state park occupies the same grounds at the very tip of the state. Here you can actually see the waters of the two mighty rivers swirling as they rush to meet each other. The Boatman's Memorial, erected on this site gives a breathtaking view of the two rivers and honors those who have lost their lives on the river.

Millionaire's Row, actually Washington Avenue, still provides an excellent peek at life in the latter part of the 1800's Several Victorian mansions are well maintained and open to the public for viewing. Magnolia Manor, a red brick 3-story home, offers a remarkable tour of the Gallagher home built in 1872. The Gallaghers were visited by General Grant and many of the furnishings on display belonged to the Gallaghers. Across the road is River Lore, a white brick home built in 1865. River Lore is owned by the City of Cairo and will soon be operating as bed and breakfast. Just across from River Lore is St. Mary's Park, a large community recreation center with tennis courts and several play areas. A large gazebo occupies the center.

Several other points of interest in Cairo are worth reviewing. The Cairo Public Library, commissioned in 1884 by Mrs. Anna E. Safford in memory of her husband A.B. Safford is a Victorian work of art. With stained glass windows and ornate woodwork, the library houses more than 700 books and manuscripts from the Civil War. Many of General Grants' maps and papers are preserved here.

The Cairo Custom House is built on a site selected by Stephen A. Douglas. The first floor houses local and Civil War history. On the second floor, display rooms of life in Cairo in years gone by and the Halliday Art Collection await visitors.

Monuments around Cairo include the Hewer Statue and the Duncan Cannon which was used by both sides during the Civil War.

While there are a number of dining establishments in Cairo, no visit is complete without a trip Shemwell's BBQ. They use a yellow, non-tomato based sauce that has to be tasted to be believed.

Check out my slideshow Cairo in Illinois Alexander County to see many of the places described.

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Travel the Ohio River Scenic Byway #2: Saline County

Travel the Ohio River Scenic Byway Stop #3: Hardin County

Ohio River Scenic Byway Stop #4: Pope County

Ohio River Scenic Byway Stop #5: Massac County

Ohio River Scenic Byway Stop 6: Pulaski County