What Happened with Cairo?

[WinterLeia]

Considering how important I have learned Cairo, IL was to the Union war effort in the west, I'm wondering why the war didn't catapult it into a thriving, successful city. Considering it was the launch pad for the conquest of the Mississippi River Valley and the place from which it was directed, which experienced success that the eastern Union armies could only dream of at that point in the war, it seems like a pretty important place that would have a lot of history. Maybe people in the east wouldn't have cared about it too much. However, in the west, it comes across as the gateway to Union territory and efforts were immediately made to defend it even before the first major battle was fought. But it seems, inexplicably from my point of view, like it went the other way and just sort of sank into oblivion after the war.

 

[Library Lady]

Here are a couple articles that will give you an idea.

Inside The Turbulent History Of Cairo, Illinois, The 'City That Died From Racism'

Decades of economic decline and racial violence led Cairo to become a ghost town.

allthatsinteresting.com

Cairo, Illinois – Death by Racism – Legends of America

The History of Cairo, Illinois located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers Cairo. It's racial past influenced its demise.

www.legendsofamerica.com

 

[Sheltowee]

I have traveled pretty extensively in the US- and been to some pretty desolate towns.

Not intending to hurt anyone here- but Cairo is the worst- looking size able town I've been to. Hands down.

But that was a few years ago, and other places have had a chance to "catch up". Hoping things have improved.

 

[Stryker65]

I'm interested in this topic as well. It was quite a major staging point in 1861-1862!

 

[SWS]

November 1909 seems to have been a hell of a time in Illinois. Lynchings in the south, and a mine disaster in the north (Cherry), where a race riot appears to have earlier occurred in 1895 (Spring Valley). National Guard sent to ameliorate both situations.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Cairo is known as ¨the town killed by racism.¨ It´s decline is linked inexorably to sustained racial tension and violence. The two articles cited above are spot on. Even the Wikipedia article on the town addresses the issue. I´ve never been there in person, but I´ve walked around the Civil War park and the city streets in Google maps and the urban decay is truly shocking.