According to foodanddrinkjournal.com, Alexander County, Illinois is located in the southwestern region of the state, just north of the Mississippi River and west of Union County. It is bordered by Pulaski County to the east, Johnson and Massac counties to the south, and Pope County to the west. The county seat is Cairo, which also serves as the county’s largest city.
Alexander County has an estimated population of 8,619 people with a population density of 25 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Alexander County is approximately 87% White, 10% African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Asian. The median household income in Alexander County is $35,851 with 22% living below poverty level.
The history of Alexander County dates back to 1819 when it was established by territorial law from part of Union County. It was named after William M. Alexander who served as a state senator for Union and Johnson Counties at that time. In 1836 Cairo was established as its county seat due to its location near major transportation routes such as the Ohio River and Illinois Central Railroad line which connected Chicago to New Orleans.
Alexander County offers many attractions for visitors including museums such as Fort Defiance Park & Civil War Museum and Cairo Public Library & Museum; historical sites such as Mound City National Cemetery; outdoor recreation such as golfing at Horseshoe Lake State Park; shopping at numerous antique stores; nature trails at Cache River State Natural Area; seasonal events like Mound City Days Festival; and a variety of cultural activities like music concerts at The Hangar Bar & Grill in Cairo.
Famous people from Alexander County include actor/director John Goodman who was born in Affton (now part of St Louis); actress/comedian Amy Schumer who attended school in Cairo; singer/songwriter John Prine who grew up near Mayfield; author James Jones (From Here To Eternity) who graduated from high school in Robinson; Major League Baseball outfielder Andre Ethier who grew up in Tamms; former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb who attended high school in East Carondelet; and former US Senator Roland Burris (D-Illinois) who was born in Centralia.
Climate and weather in Alexander County, Illinois
According to andyeducation.com, Alexander County, Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in the summer are in the mid 80s Fahrenheit (30°C) and average lows in the winter are around 20°F (-7°C). The county receives an average of 43 inches (110 cm) of precipitation per year which is spread out evenly throughout the year. During spring and fall, thunderstorms can occur, while winter brings snowfall to the area.
In spring, temperatures warm up quickly as days lengthen and sunshine increases. By April temperatures have risen into the mid 50s Fahrenheit (13°C) with occasional showers throughout the month. May is usually mild with highs reaching into the low 70s Fahrenheit (21°C). June marks the official start to summer with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s Fahrenheit (30°C), accompanied by high humidity levels.
July and August are typically very hot months with highs reaching into the low 90s Fahrenheit (32°C). This heat is often accompanied by high humidity levels which can make it feel even hotter than it actually is. Thunderstorms also occur frequently during this time of year, providing some relief from the heat.
As fall approaches, temperatures start to cool off again as days shorten and sunshine decreases. September sees highs in the mid 70s Fahrenheit (23°C) while October sees highs in the mid 60s Fahrenheit (17°C). By November, temperatures have dropped into the 40s Fahrenheit (4-10°C) with occasional rain or snow showers possible throughout this month.
Winter starts in December when temperatures drop below freezing for most of this month as well as January and February. Snowfall is common during these months while strong winds can make it feel even colder than it actually is outside. Highs during this season are typically in 30-40 F range (-1 to 4 °C). March brings a slight reprieve from winter’s chill as temperatures slowly start to climb back up again towards springtime conditions.
Transportation in Alexander County, Illinois
Alexander County, Illinois has a variety of transportation options available to its residents. Local bus service is provided by the Alexander County Public Transit System (ACPT), which operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The ACPT offers fixed-route and demand-response services throughout the county. Residents can also take advantage of the Amtrak train services that serve nearby cities such as Cairo, Carbondale, and Paducah. Additionally, taxi services are available in Alexander County for those who need a ride within or outside of the county. For those who prefer to drive themselves, there are several car rental companies located within the county as well as in nearby cities. The highways and interstates that connect Alexander County with other parts of Illinois and surrounding states make it easy for residents to travel for business or pleasure without having to rely on public transportation. There are also several airports located in close proximity including St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, and Evansville Regional Airport. These airports provide air travel options for those who want to get out of town quickly or need to travel further distances than what can be reached by car or bus.
Cities and towns in Alexander County, Illinois
According to Countryaah, Alexander County, Illinois is home to numerous cities and towns that offer a variety of amenities and attractions. The largest city in the county is Cairo, which is located on the Ohio River and serves as a major transportation hub for the region. Cairo is home to many historic sites, including Fort Defiance State Park, which was a crucial stronghold during the Civil War. The city also has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for visitors to explore.
In addition to Cairo, other cities in Alexander County include Tamms, Olive Branch, Ullin, and Thebes. Tamms is a small village near the Mississippi River that was once an important river port for steamboats traveling up and down the river. Ullin is a rural community that offers plenty of recreational activities such as boating and fishing on nearby lakes. Olive Branch has become known as an arts community with several galleries showcasing local artworks and a variety of unique shops throughout town. Thebes is one of the oldest towns in Alexander County with its roots tracing back to 1819 when it was first settled by European settlers.
Alexander County also contains several smaller unincorporated communities such as McClure, Unity Point, Pulley Mill Park, Sandusky Heights, Old Shawneetown, Mounds Landing Estates, Clear Springs Estates, Wanda Estates Parkview Addition and many more. Each of these communities offers its own unique charm with parks for outdoor activities or quaint restaurants serving up local favorites like fried catfish or hush puppies. Whether you’re looking for an urban experience or something more rural in nature there’s something for everyone in Alexander County Illinois.