Introduction to Alexander County, Illinois
Alexander County is located in the southernmost part of Illinois, bounded by the Mississippi River to the west and the Ohio River to the east. Established in 1819, Alexander County is named after William M. Alexander, a prominent early settler and state representative. The county has a rich historical legacy, serving as a crossroads for river trade and commerce due to its strategic location at the confluence of two major rivers. However, in recent years, the county has experienced population decline and economic challenges, largely due to flooding and the decline of river commerce.
The county experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Alexander County has a population of approximately 5,000 people and is largely rural, with small towns and communities spread across the county.
- County Seat: Cairo
- Number of Cities and Towns: 4 incorporated towns and several unincorporated communities
- Major School Districts: Cairo Unit School District #1, Egyptian Community Unit School District #5
Cairo
City Overview
Cairo, the county seat of Alexander County, is located at the southern tip of Illinois, where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge. Founded in 1818, Cairo has a long and storied history as a strategic river port and commercial hub during the 19th century. At its height, Cairo was a bustling city with a thriving economy, driven by river trade. However, economic decline and flooding challenges have significantly reduced the city’s population and infrastructure over the years. Despite this, Cairo remains a historically significant town with many preserved buildings and landmarks.
Cairo experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Major landmarks include the historic Cairo Custom House Museum, the Magnolia Manor, and the Fort Defiance Park, located at the confluence of the two rivers. These sites provide a glimpse into the town’s past as a critical river trade center.
City Facts
- Population: 1,733 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 62914
- Road Network: U.S. Route 51, Illinois Route 3, Interstate 57
- Nearest Airports: Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (Missouri), Cairo Regional Airport
- Libraries: Cairo Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO (Saint Francis Medical Center)
Major Schools
Cairo is served by the Cairo Unit School District #1. Cairo Junior/Senior High School serves grades 7-12, with approximately 200 students. The school offers a variety of academic programs, including core subjects and vocational training, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and band. For younger students, Cairo Elementary School provides education for grades K-6, serving around 150 students. The school district emphasizes academic achievement and aims to prepare students for future educational and career opportunities despite the challenges facing the community.
Tamms
City Overview
Tamms is a small village located in the northwestern part of Alexander County. Founded in the late 19th century, Tamms was primarily a farming community, though it later became known for the Tamms Correctional Center, a high-security prison that operated from 1998 to 2013. Since the prison’s closure, the village has remained largely residential, with agriculture still playing a key role in the local economy.
Tamms experiences a humid subtropical climate, similar to the rest of the region, with warm summers and mild winters. The town is quiet, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle for its residents. Although small, Tamms provides easy access to nearby towns and cities, such as Cairo and Anna, for amenities and services.
City Facts
- Population: 417 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 220 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 62988
- Road Network: Illinois Route 127, Illinois Route 37
- Nearest Airports: Cairo Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Cairo
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Anna, IL (Union County Hospital)
Major Schools
Tamms is part of the Egyptian Community Unit School District #5. Students from Tamms typically attend Egyptian High School (grades 9-12), located in nearby Thebes, with around 250 students. The high school offers core academic subjects as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. Egyptian Middle School serves grades 6-8, while Egyptian Elementary School provides education for grades K-5, with both schools sharing a campus. The district’s schools are small but offer personalized attention to students, focusing on fostering academic success in a rural environment.
Thebes
City Overview
Thebes is a small town situated along the Mississippi River in western Alexander County. Founded in the early 1800s, Thebes is known for its historical significance and riverfront location. The town’s most notable landmark is the Thebes Courthouse, a historic structure built in 1845 that once served as the county courthouse. The courthouse offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and is now a popular tourist destination.
Thebes enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is small and primarily residential, but its scenic river views and historical buildings make it an attractive place for those interested in history and rural life.
City Facts
- Population: 226 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 180 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 62990
- Road Network: Illinois Route 3
- Nearest Airports: Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (Missouri), Cairo Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Cairo
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO (SoutheastHEALTH)
Major Schools
Thebes is also part of the Egyptian Community Unit School District #5. Students attend Egyptian High School, Egyptian Middle School, and Egyptian Elementary School, all located in the district’s shared campus. Egyptian High School offers a comprehensive curriculum for grades 9-12 and serves around 250 students. The elementary and middle schools provide education for younger students, with an emphasis on community involvement and academic growth. Extracurricular programs such as athletics and arts are available to students at all grade levels.
McClure
City Overview
McClure is a small village in northeastern Alexander County, near the border with Union County. McClure was originally founded as a farming community in the 19th century and remains largely agricultural to this day. The village is located near the Mississippi River, giving it access to fertile farmland, which has sustained the local economy for generations.
McClure experiences warm, humid summers and cool, mild winters, typical of the region’s subtropical climate. The village’s location offers easy access to outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking, particularly with its proximity to the Shawnee National Forest. McClure is a quiet residential area, providing a rural lifestyle for its residents.
City Facts
- Population: 268 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 160 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 62957
- Road Network: Illinois Route 3
- Nearest Airports: Cairo Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Cairo
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO (Saint Francis Medical Center)
Major Schools
McClure is part of the Shawnee School District, with students attending Shawnee Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12) in nearby Wolf Lake, which serves around 250 students. The school offers a variety of academic programs, including AP courses, vocational training, and extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Shawnee Elementary School, also located in Wolf Lake, serves younger students in grades K-6. The district emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong community engagement to ensure student success.