Alexander County, Illinois is located in the south-central region of the state, close to the border with Kentucky. The county is bordered by Union and Johnson counties to the north and Pulaski and Massac counties to the south. It covers a total area of 461 square miles, making it the second-smallest county in the state.
The terrain of Alexander County is predominantly flat with some rolling hills throughout. The highest elevation point in the county is located near its western border at an altitude of 627 feet above sea level. Much of Alexander County is situated within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is characterized by its deep soils and numerous rivers and streams that flow through it.
The majority of Alexander County lies within Illinois’ Central Till Plains region, which features a mix of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. This provides plenty of habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyotes, foxes and many species of birds.
In addition to its natural beauty, Alexander County also boasts several manmade attractions such as Fort Massac State Park located along the Ohio River. This scenic park offers a variety of recreational activities including camping, fishing and boating as well as an observation tower with views of both Illinois and Kentucky’s beautiful landscape.
Overall, Alexander County’s geography provides locals with plenty to explore while still maintaining its rural charm over time. From its diverse wildlife to its scenic parks and riverside views, Alexander County offers something for everyone to enjoy throughout all four seasons.
Country seat and other main cities of Alexander County, Illinois
The county seat of Alexander County, Illinois is located in the city of Cairo, which is also the largest city in the county. Cairo is situated along the Ohio River at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and has a population of around 2,800 people. It was founded in 1837 and named after the ancient Egyptian capital city.
According to Countryaah, Cairo serves as both a commercial and industrial hub for Alexander County, with a number of businesses located within its downtown area. The city also has several attractions that visitors can enjoy such as Fort Defiance Park, which features a replica fort built during the Civil War era as well as a museum dedicated to local history.
In addition to Cairo, there are several other cities located within Alexander County including Mounds, Olive Branch, Tamms and Unity. Mounds is home to around 1,100 people and is known for its historic downtown district which includes several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Olive Branch serves as an agricultural center for the county with several farms located within its boundaries. Tamms is an unincorporated community with an estimated population of 400 people while Unity is home to about 800 people and features a variety of businesses along its main street.
Overall, Alexander County’s cities provide locals with plenty to explore while still maintaining their rural charm over time. From unique attractions to quaint shops and restaurants, each city offers something special for visitors to enjoy throughout all four seasons.
History of Alexander County, Illinois
Alexander County, Illinois was created in 1819 from parts of Union and Pulaski counties. The county was named after William M. Alexander, who served as a Colonel in the War of 1812 and was also the first state senator from Union County. The county seat is located in the city of Cairo which was founded in 1837 and named after the ancient Egyptian capital.
Prior to European settlement, Alexander County had been inhabited by several Native American tribes including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Shawnee tribes. These tribes were forced out during the early 19th century as settlers began to move into the area. By 1840, there were over 5,000 people living within Alexander County’s boundaries with most of them engaged in farming and other agricultural activities.
During the Civil War era, Cairo served as an important military base for Union forces who used it to launch attacks against Confederate forces located along the Mississippi River. This period also saw a large influx of African-Americans into the area as they sought refuge from slavery further south in states like Mississippi and Alabama. By 1870, there were over 8,000 African-Americans living within Alexander County’s boundaries making up almost 50% of its population at that time.
In more recent years, Alexander County has experienced steady population growth thanks to its proximity to larger cities such as St Louis and Memphis. The county has also seen a resurgence in tourism due to its rich history and scenic riverside views which attract visitors throughout all four seasons.
Economy of Alexander County, Illinois
The economy of Alexander County, Illinois is mainly driven by the agricultural sector. The region is known for its high-quality crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat which are grown in abundance within the county’s boundaries. Other crops such as sorghum, hay, and oats are also grown in the area.
In addition to agriculture, Alexander County is home to several manufacturing facilities which produce various goods for local and international customers. These include food processing plants, automotive components factories, and metalworking shops. There are also many small businesses located throughout the county which offer a variety of services ranging from retail stores to restaurants and auto repair shops.
The tourism industry is also a major contributor to the local economy with visitors drawn in by its rich history and scenic riverside views throughout all four seasons. The county has several attractions including historic sites related to the Civil War era such as Fort Defiance Park in Cairo as well as a number of parks and outdoor recreation areas along its main street.
Overall, Alexander County provides an array of economic opportunities for locals while still maintaining its rural charm over time. From farming to manufacturing jobs, small businesses to tourism attractions – there is something here for everyone looking to make their mark on this unique corner of southern Illinois.
