Cairo, Illinois - Death by Racism

Cairo, Illinois - Page 8

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The city and its residents have worked hard over the recent years to stabilize the small town; however, these attempts are often short-lived, as there is simply no money. The real estate in Cairo is cheap, and many, intrigued with the prospect of building a business, have taken the opportunity to start in Cairo. But, business is slow as residents wonder why these businesses have started in their small town. Additionally, many residents see these newcomers as temporary – being too used to people coming to help and then leaving. After years of turmoil, Cairo's residents are often untrusting

Despite the town’s rich history, magnificent river views, and attempts to stabilize it, there are few efforts to promote the area for tourism.

An iron arch welcomes visitors to Historic Downtown Cairo. Unfortunately, there are few open businesses beyond this welcome sign.

Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

South of Cairo, the historic site of Fort Defiance, which was once an Illinois State Park, but, since given over to the City of Cairo, is now abandoned. Everywhere, there are dismal reminders that only about 3,000 people now live in a city designed for 20,000. Cairo simply can't afford pay for basic services, much less promotion.

Alexander County is one of the poorest in Illinois and its lack of tax funding forced the sheriff's department to lay off 3/4 of their staff in 2009, leaving just four deputies to help cover a county that spans more than 250 square miles. Just days later, five patrol cars were repossessed. More recently, the department reported it has no money to purchase fuel for its remaining cars, which are now parked. The county is also behind in payments to the Tri-County Detention Center for inmate fees. School districts are also facing severe financial burdens and are struggling to stay open. Without businesses that pay taxes, the town and county simply cannot afford to provide basic services, much less promote itself. Many of its residents are tired of telling the story of their blighted town and just simply want to be left alone.

Still, the historic city of Cairo has much to offer for history buffs and photographers. Numerous buildings, including large stone banks, churches, retail businesses and government structures continue to stand, though their promise was not fulfilled. A few historical architectural landmarks have been restored; but, what’s left after decades of white flight and economic stagnation, is an expanse of abandoned buildings, bulldozed lots, and forgotten history.

There are; however, those who would like to see Cairo revived and some of their efforts are paying off. In July, 2010, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill that will create the Alexander-Cairo Port District, which will help attract businesses and jobs to the area. The Project Manager for Alexander County is looking for ways to raise funds to promote tourism and students from Southern Illinois University are working with the locals to preserve and restore some of the buildings.

Hopefully, these efforts will work as the clock continues to tick on Cairo, that without revitalization, is destined to become a true “ghost town.”

From this "Old West" enthusiast, perhaps Cairo could learn from many of the "living ghost towns" of the western frontier -- places such as Virginia City, Montana; Deadwood, South Dakota; or Tombstone, Arizona. Yes, Cairo's history is sad, but it is nonetheless fascinating, spans more than 150 years, and represents an important piece of American History that should never be forgotten. My vivid imagination can easily "see" Commercial Street filled with museums, antique shops, restaurants and music venues -- Washington Street and "Million Dollar Row," filled with quaint Bed and Breakfast Inns. Perhaps I will one day.

Formerly a Famous-Barr Department Store and later, a Maytag Store

below, which was, as recently as 2009, still open. However, we

could see no signs of that on our visit. Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

Commercial Avenue in Cairo is all but empty today. On the right side

of the street these buildings once held the W.T. Wall & Co Department Store, the Cairo Public Utility Commission; M. Snower & Co., a garment manufacturer; and more. On the left side, where the empty lots are

today, once held a Hallmark Store, the S.H. Kress & Co. Variety Store,

a music store, and more. At the far end of left side of the street, the

Rhodes-Burford Furniture Store sign is still in place. It was one of the

last large businesses to close. Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

Cairo's Chamber of Commerce, on 8th Street, is nestled between several empty businesses. More once stood in the empty lot at the right, but have since been torn down due to instability. Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

Many buildings stand wide open to the elements.

Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

Cairo's 44-bed hospital closed in 1986. Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

Not everything in Cairo is in ruins. Someone has done a fine job of

restoring and maintaining this historic home on Washington Avenue.

Kathy Weiser, April, 2010.

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