The Carbondale area is referred to as “Little Egypt.” Theories about the nickname's origins range from the region's supplying grain to northern and central Illinois during an 1800's famine to comparing Illinois' southern tip to Egypt's Nile delta region.
Why is Southern Illinois nicknamed 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.
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 Carbondale known for?
Carbondale is the home of the main campus of Southern Illinois University (SIU). This statue was placed here by Station Carbondale, Inc. through donations from people dedicated to the preservation of Carbondale's railroad history. The first train came to Carbondale on July 4, 1854.
What was the nickname of Egypt?
The people of Egypt called their country “the Two Lands,” which signifies the way they viewed their home—as a duality.
