Fort Defiance State Park US Cairo IL
Fort Defiance State Park is situated in a beautiful location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. This is a fascinating site, whether you are an enthusiast of history or just enjoy beautiful scenery.
Cairo is a historic city in southern Illinois. It is located at the Mississippi-Ohio River confluence, a place that has captivated travelers since Mark Twain made it famous in his book “Huckleberry Finn”. Refer to This Page!
The Cairo Mississippi River Bridge
Cairo, Illinois was a major port of shipment in the early 20th century. It was a hub for lumber mills, furniture factories and other businesses that exported products to larger cities.
A new bridge was needed to support the growing population and improve transportation, and the US 60/62 bridge over the Mississippi River in Cairo was built. It is a steel truss through deck crossing that connects Cairo, Illinois at its northern terminus to Bird’s Point, Missouri at its southern end.
The bridge was opened to traffic in 1938 and tolls were removed in 1948. Today the Cairo Mississippi River Bridge is a vital link between Illinois and Kentucky.
The existing bridge carries approximately 5,800 vehicles per day between Wickliffe, Kentucky and Cairo, Illinois. About 35 percent of those are commercial trucks.
The Cairo Custom House Museum
Located in the Historic District, the Cairo Custom House Museum is a treasure for anyone who loves history. This beautiful building was originally built in 1872 and was a seat for the federal court, post office, and other government offices.
The first floor of the Custom House has been restored to its original appearance and is currently a museum with many interesting displays. These include Civil War memorabilia, a replica of the U.S.S. Cairo gunboat, an 1865 Cairo Fire Department hand-operated pumper, and an exhibit on the 1937 flood in Cairo.
The Custom House is a landmark of Cairo and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1973. This magnificent structure was designed by Alfred B. Mullett, supervising architect for the United States Treasury in 1867-1872. Constructed of smooth ashlar limestone, the Custom House is Italianate in style with pairs of round-arched windows. Simple columns and bracketed window sills are also characteristic of the structure. A great post!
The Fort Defiance State Park
Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Fort Defiance State Park is one of the most significant sites in Illinois. On average, 4.4 million gallons of water merge at the site each second.
This unique location is a natural and historical gem that is worth seeing for anyone. It is one of the most important river confluences in the world.
The currents of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers stay separate for a mile or more before merging at this point. The result is a hybrid river that is unlike any other in the world.
Fort Defiance State Park is a great place to enjoy nature and reconnect with the outdoors. There are many trails to explore and plenty of scenic spots to sit and relax. There are also rustic camping spots available for those who enjoy tenting in the woods.
The Cairo Riverfront
The Cairo Riverfront is home to numerous historic buildings that date back to the early 19th century. Some of these include the Italianate Magnolia Manor built in 1872 and the Second Empire Riverlore Mansion.
The Mississippi and Ohio Rivers converge here as one of the most incredible river confluences in the world. It is estimated that 4.4 million gallons of water merge every second.
Fort Defiance State Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy the view of these rivers. The park has several hiking trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks.
This area also is a good place to see the remnants of the old army fortification that once stood here. Today, it is an Illinois State Park.
The City of Cairo has tried many times to promote the town as a tourist destination. However, the town is still a struggling, economically depressed city and is considered one of the poorest in Illinois. Next article!
Driving Direction from Bee Klean to Fort Defiance State Park
Driving Direction from Fort Defiance State Park to Lick Creek Camp