Southern Illinois has long been referred to as "Little Egypt." This nickname may be the result of the practices of early settlers from Northern Illinois who traveled to Southern Illinois to buy grain after a series of bad winters and droughts.
Why is part of Illinois called Little Egypt?
The name “Little Egypt” came from the early settlers of the region, who thought the area resembled the Nile in Egypt due to the low lying topography, fertile marshes, and flooding from the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Why is Cairo Illinois called Cairo?
Cairo was so named because its site was thought to resemble that of the Egyptian city (see Cairo), and southern Illinois consequently became known as Little Egypt.
Where is Little Egypt in Southern Illinois?
Southern Illinois, also known as Little Egypt, is the southern third of Illinois, principally along and south of Interstate 64. Although part of a Midwestern state, this region is aligned in culture more with that of the Upland South than the Midwest.
What is Cairo Il famous for?
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After the Civil War, the city became a hub for railroad shipping in the region, which added to its economy. By 1900 several railroad lines branched from Cairo. In addition to shipping and railroads, a major industry in Cairo was the operation of ferries.
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