In 1942 the federal government constructed a new U.S. Post Office and Court House in Cairo. In addition to shipping and railroads, a major industry in Cairo was the operation of ferries. As of 2010 it was down to roughly 2,000. Anna E. Safford paid for the construction of the Library and donated it to the city. 1998 Flood Control and Navigation Maps . The first was William James, an African American accused of the murder of Anna Pelly, a young white woman killed three days earlier, although there was no physical or circumstantial evidence connecting him to the crime. As of the census[43] of 2000, there were 3,632 people, 1,561 households, and 900 families residing in the city. Choose one of these Great River Road Mississippi River webcam links below for a real-time view of the river and the beautiful Mississippi River Country landscapes. All rights reserved. James was accused of killing Pelly by choking her to death in an alley with pieces of a flour sack on the evening of November 8, 1909. Vicinity of Batesville, Ark. The police, fire department, and most city jobs were still overwhelmingly dominated by whites. The Mississippi River stemmed from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota where it was only a tiny outlet stream. Floodwaters at the Confluence of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, High Waters along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, NASA Goddard Space The distribution of the population by age was 31.6% 19 or under, 6.3% from 20 to 24, 19.2% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% 65 or older. Lock and Dam 25 is located in Calhoun County, Illinois, and Lincoln County, Missouri, at approximately Mile 241.4 on the Upper Mississippi River above the mouth of the Ohio River near. In 1905 a second bridge was constructed across the Mississippi River at Thebes, Illinois. The racial makeup of the city was 25.33% White, 68.96% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.63% from other races, and 4.67% from two or more races. These and other significant buildings are also listed on the National Register.[11]. The Ohio River becomes a tributary of the Mississippi River directly south of Cairo, Illinois, a small city on the spit of land where the rivers converge (at center of this astronaut photograph). The Ohio River flood of 1937 brought a record water level to Cairo that crested at 59.5 feet. During the shootout, the Chief of Police and one of the firemen were shot by a high-powered rifle. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This suggests that the very high rainfall in December 2005 over the Appalachians and the northeastern United States has led to greater-than-normal amounts of sediment in the rivers and streams of the Ohio River watershed. Cairo's hospital closed in December 1986, due to high debt and a dwindling number of patients. Land. This curious headstone is labeled simply as "The Queen.". The National Weather Service prepares its forecasts and other services in collaboration with agencies like the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resource Conservation Service, National Park Service, ALERT Users Group, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and many state and local emergency managers across the country. [11] It originates right outside of the Rocky Mountains and stretches through multiple states with the main portion of it located in Texas. The library was dedicated on July 19, 1884 as the A. The town of Cairo is known for its love of basketball. Pelly's body was discovered the next morning. It is also referred to as a hundred year flood because the likelihood for it to occur is one in one hundred in any year. All NOAA, Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail are possible over parts of the northern and central High Plains through tonight. [21][22][23][24], A group of civil rights activists in Chicago hired journalist Ida B. [1] See also Transport portal Engineering portal United States portal Illinois portal List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River References ^ "Cairo I-57 Bridge". Not long after the passage of the constitution, the state's general assembly adopted a pro-slavery resolution that announced its approval of slavery in slave-holding states and at the same time condemned the formation of abolition societies within Illinois boundaries.[18]. A new city charter was written in 1857, and Cairo flourished as trade with Chicago to the north spurred development. Motorists cross the southern tip of Illinois between Missouri and Kentucky, completely bypassing the city of Cairo. The court house was built and is operated by the U.S. General Services Administration.[16][17]. James was placed in police custody on Tuesday, where he remained until Wednesday evening. In August 2017, Ben Carson, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development at the time, visited the city. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. [22], The Mississippi has entered the twenty-first century as a system deeply altered by human actions. National Weather Service Availability Details: In Stock USA Price: $93.00 International Price: $130.20 Publisher: Defense Dept., Army, Corps of Engineers Key Phrases: Flood Control and Navigation Maps In 1937 the Cairo Ohio River Bridge was completed. The delta is important to the wildlife and people that it supports, along with the US economy. Note the streetlight hanging in the tree branches to the left. Existing AHPS content and features will be preserved and expanded within NWPS. Several banks were founded during the war years, and the growth in banking and steamboat traffic continued after the war. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 70.2 males. While they help prevent flooding, they also inhibit agriculture from prospering in some of the surrounding areas. Web Portal Changes: The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) hosted at https://water.weather.gov will be replaced by the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS), with a target of March 2024. From Alabama to Wyoming, there are abandoned towns, amusement parks, and ruins lurking in your home state. To protect Cairo, Corps of Engineers closed the flood gate and blew a breach in the Bird's Point levee for the first time to relieve pressure on the Cairo flood wall. The river flows through ten states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Vehicles were also ferried, as there were no automobile bridges in the area in the early 20th century. Acquired March 12, 2011, and February 12, 2011, these false-color images show parts of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers before and after melting snow raised water levels. [9], The Upper Mississippi River covers approximately half of the Mississippi River's length. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. African-Americans were allegedly harassed by the police and unjustly targeted. There were 1,036 housing units at an average density of 113.76 per square mile (43.92/km2). [26], The commodities moved on the Mississippi River in 1999 included the following:[27], About two billion years ago, environmental tension altered the environment around the Mississippi River System basin, creating the mountain systems in North America. The Illinois River is relatively shallow, just like the Mississippi. Image of the Day The city's age distribution consisted of 21.7% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. Title, "Flood Control and Navigation. The color of the rivers in this image is reversed from the usual condition of a green Ohio and a brown Mississippi. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. Benke, A. C., & Cushing, C. E. (2005). As the steamboat industry was replaced with barges, river traffic had less reason to stop in Cairo. Ohio River at Cairo, IL: The latest stage is 14.18 @2023-07-26 20:00 CT: And the highest forecasted value is **Below action stage**--More data available Table Hydrograph: For the location CPGM7 Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau, MO: The latest stage is 9.94 @2023-07-26 20:30 CT: And the highest forecasted value is **Below action stage**--More . As part of this project, the Corps of Engineers established the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway. How much of North America does the Mississippi River drain? From IH-57 southbound, take Exit 1 (US 51/State Highway 3) and go south towards Cairo. By car, it can take travelers anywhere between five days and two weeks to follow the river. [7], The Upper Mississippi River spans around 1,250 miles (2,010km) from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to Cairo, Illinois. The median income for a household in the city was $27,661, and the median income for a family was $31,280. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 3.00. From the north Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, Mississippi. Title: Slide 1 Author: b6imemb6 Created Date: 8/16/2012 10:14:26 AM . If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our. Into the late 19th century, nearly 250,000 railroad cars could be ferried across the river in as little as six months. provided to the NWS by the gauge owner. Brown, sediment-laden water flowing generally northeast to south from the Ohio River is distinct from the green and relatively sediment-poor water of the Mississippi River (flowing northwest to south). It worked its way 2,350 miles (3,780km) south to the Gulf of Mexico. Water Land [12] This river was important among Native Americans and early French traders as the principal water route connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi. 43.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. Across the street from the customs house, the Cairo Public Library was constructed in 1883 of Queen Anne-style architecture, finished with stained glass windows and ornate woodwork. A view of downtown Cairo taken from an open flood wall gate in 2015. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. Astronaut photograph ISS012-E-15035 was acquired January 12, 2006 with a Kodak 760C digital camera using a 400 mm lens, and is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations experiment and the Image Science & Analysis Group, Johnson Space Center. Chart 140 - Upper Mississippi River Miles 111-105. Opened 1929, Reconstructed 1983. Highway: . It was the worst flooding epidemic in the history of the United States. Completion of the two bridges ended the ferry industry in Cairo, putting many people out of work. The mob hanged Salzner from a telegraph pole near the courthouse, and the crowd shot his body many times. 114 Feet. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Illinois moved into the new court house in 1942, from the old U.S. Cairo (/kro/ KAIR-oh,[4] sometimes /kero/ KAY-roh)[5] is the southernmost city in Illinois and the county seat of Alexander County. Cairo became an important Union supply base and training center for the remainder of the war. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. William P. Halliday in 1865. [2] Structures In summer 1969, the Cairo United Front also began what became a decade-long boycott of white-owned businesses, which had generally not hired blacks as clerks or staff. Cairo, Illinois, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, was faced with the problem of bridging not one, but two, major rivers to link with outlying areas. Accelerated runoff and accelerated sediment loads, which are associated with running water, have greatly impacted the system due to erosion affecting topsoil in agriculturally heavy areas. There may be as many as 60 different species of mussel found on the lower part of the Mississippi. Latitude/Longitude Disclaimer: The gauge location shown in the above map Part of the extensive levee system associated with flood control of the Mississippi River is visible in the image. Settlement began in earnest in the 1830s and busy river boat traffic expanded through the 1850s. NAD27, Search by city or zip code. 1895 Part of abandoned historic downtown Cairo, Illinois. FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layers not showing? This was the way he enforced the 1905 anti-lynching law.[20]. Mississippi River Flyway Cam. January 1988 Maps of White River. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Natural protection of land is exacerbated the more the delta diminishes. In early 1969, a few activists of the civil rights struggle formed the Cairo United Front, a civil rights organization to bringing together the local NAACP, a cooperative association, and a couple of black street gangs. [6], The Mississippi River carries 60% of U.S. grain shipments, 22% of oil and gas shipments, and 20% of coal. It was opened in 1978. [15], The Red River of the South is the 10th longest river in the United States with a length of 1,290 miles (2,080km). [14] The depth also allows for commerce throughout the river on barges. The Mississippi River is the largest drainage basin in the United States. In December, the city enacted a new city ordinance banning picketing within 20 feet of a business. On July 16, 1967, Robert Hunt, a 19-year-old black soldier home on leave, was allegedly found hanged in the Cairo police station. [21], The river system, especially the Mississippi River, was used by Union armies as a means of invading and was host to several large battles during the U.S. Civil War. Around two million years ago, glaciers up to 1.2 miles (1.9km) thick continued to disturb the environment. Officials said "critical issues" with the . Racial tensions rose in the late 1960s as African-Americans sought implementation of gains under new federal civil rights laws passed as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. The picketing turned violent after police heard shots fired and moved on the crowd.[33]. Forecasts on the Lower Ohio River start at Smithland Lock & Dam (Smithland, IL) and continue downstream to the confluence with the Upper Mississippi. It is one of only seven of Mullet's Victorian structures remaining in the nation, and the building has been converted for use as a museum. The river is a cultural treasure for the nation. Later in the early 20th century, Chicago became the center of black life in the state, as it was the destination of tens of thousands of migrants during the Great Migration. Following the violence, the United Front called for another large rally and resumed picketing at white-owned businesses despite the new ordinance. . The local government has attempted to revive the city through now-racially integrated historic preservation initiatives, but most of these have failed. Why is Mark Twain associated with the Mississippi River? [1] It is the most heavily travelled component of the Mississippi River System. The community and region are working to stop abandonment of the city. Males working full-time, year-round had a median income of $37,750 versus $21,917 for females. The population density was 515.1 inhabitants per square mile (198.9/km2). 52.29% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.55% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. For well information this can be a district-assigned local number. The silts deposited by the water made the surrounding areas very desirable and an ideal place to farm due to the extremely fertile location. Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Illinois from 1905 to 1912. Race relations were strained in 1900. Mississippi River Rising: Monitor Latest Stages & Forecasts Here Hot Again Today, Severe Storm Threat South of I-90 Hot and humid conditions will persist today, especially south of Interstate 90. The receding formation of glaciers 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, left large amounts of water in North America, which created the rivers.[22]. For more information on your flood risk go to www.floodsmart.gov. The Mississippi River has seen water levels fluctuate year to year in the past. The city faces many significant socio-economic challenges for the remaining population, including poverty, crime, issues in education, unemployment and rebuilding its tax base. It spans 170 miles (270km), making it one of the longest distributaries of the Mississippi River. On July 17, 1967, a large portion of the black population in Cairo began rioting. The Red River is home to many oil fields with oil and gas production being one of the river's major aspects. [8] In January 1862, General Ulysses S. Grant occupied the city, and had Fort Defiance constructed to protect the confluence. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). There are no FEMA National Flood Hazard Layers for the location which you are viewing on ESRI Maps. It is a 14-room red brick house which features double walls intended to keep out the city's famous dampness with their ten-inch airspaces. The United Front formally accused the White Hats of intimidating the black community, and presented a list of seven demands to the City of Cairo. There were 828 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 23.07% were married couples living together, 20.29% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.47% were non-families. The seven demands included appointment of a black police chief, appointment of a black assistant fire chief, and an equal black-white ratio in all city jobs.[30]. Chance of Exceeding Levels During Entire Period, Short-term Probabilistic Guidance (Experimental), Water Resources Outlook - Ohio River Valley, ** 28-Day Mississippi/Ohio River Forecasts **. [citation needed] These deeper waters allows multiple species of fish to thrive. Precipitation is spread relatively uniformly throughout the year. On November 10, Sheriff Frank E. Davis arranged to take James out of the city jail on an Illinois Central train to avoid mob violence. [9], After the Civil War, the city became a hub for railroad shipping in the region, which added to its economy. The bottom of the river is composed of a thin layer of clay, silt, loam, and sand, which lay above a stratum of glacial outwash. Sixty percent of all North American birds (326 species) use the river Basin as their migratory flyway. These once-booming settlements now exist in a sad, beautiful state of emptiness. It is in the river-crossed area of Southern Illinois known as "Little Egypt", for which the city is named, after Egypt's capital on the Nile. US Dept of Commerce Forecasts on the Upper Mississippi River start at Chester, IL, and continue downstream to the confluence with the Ohio River. Since Cairo had no land available for base facilities, the navy yard repair shop machinery was afloat aboard wharf-boats, old steamers, tugs, flat-boats, and rafts. The median age was 47.4 years. It is unknown as to why earth mounds were constructed, but there is speculation that they possibly were used for religious and ceremonial purposes. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Lower Mississippi River Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico Mile 953 to Mile 0 A.H.P. It was used for assisting with agriculture, gathering fish, and trading with others. Sections of riverbed below the Mississippi rose so high that part of the river ran backward. Goldblatts Department Store Flagship Location. Barlow Bottoms (image right), located in adjacent Kentucky, is a wetland bird-watching location that is replenished by periodic floods and releases of Ohio River water. [30], The Army Corps of Engineers currently oversees all the responsibilities of making sure the rivers are best maintained to avoid more flooding. Important connecting waterways include the Illinois Waterway, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Erosion put further stress on the areas within the rivers, shaping depressions in the ground. The Mississippi River System is a huge provider for the U.S. economy. The historic downtown area, once bustling and busy, is now filled with crumbling brick and plywood-covered windows. Typically, the cargo being shipped are energy resources such as coal. Fort Defiance, a Civil War base, was located here in 1862 by Union General Ulysses S. Grant to control strategic access to the rivers, and launch and supply his successful campaigns south. Several blocks in the town comprise the Cairo Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The city has decreased in population for eight consecutive US census reports from 1950 to 2020. All critical data should be obtained from and verified by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. I-57 Mississippi River Crossing At Cairo Cairo, Illinois Structure ID: NBI 0000020022224774. Image of the Day After the residents had calmed down, Governor Deneen dismissed Sheriff Davis for failing to protect James and Salzner, and Wells sided with the governor against reinstatement. The building also housed the U.S. Cairo became a prosperous port following the Civil War due to increased riverboat and railroad commerce. The black rioting that erupted in 1967 was not confined to Cairo; it was part of a larger pattern of more than 40 racially motivated riots that broke out in major cities in the United States in the summer of 1967. Males had a median income of $28,798 versus $18,125 for females. The building remains in use by the federal courts and as the active post office for Cairo. The meeting place of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers has seen significant flooding over the years. Chart 141 - Upper Mississippi River Miles 105-099 . [44] The district has one elementary school, Emerson Elementary School. 26 Oct. 2016. This a great place to start your exploration of this important .

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