Bridge over Mississippi

Mississippi River Bridge at Chestnut, Illinois

Eads Bridge, St Louis

Cairo, Illinois, a Ghost Town

Welcome to Historic Cairo. That is what the sign is trying to say. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, this town was founded in 1837. It sits at the very southern tip of the state of Illinois. Located at the extreme southern tip is Civil War fort, Fort Defiance(which was flooded out the day we visited). But due to civil and social problems, and probably numerous floods, the population has dwindled to next to nothing. And although most of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is mostly abandoned and falling apart.

Cairo, Illinois

Beautiful brick roads.
Even the street signs are ancient.

Tunnel through one of the levee walls. The town is completely surrounded by levees. This route north has a gate that would come down in case of flooding. I'm not certain how old it is or if it is even still usable or effective.


A welcoming sign across the railroad tracks. This view looks south heading into town.

Signs from the Road II

Signs from the Road

Views from the Gateway Arch Pt 2

More views from the top of the Arch, after I switched to the zoom lens.





This last one was played with a bit, giving it that weird miniature look!