Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Historical Survey Marker
Photographed by Shane Oliver, May 1, 2021
1. Historical Survey Marker Marker
the Third
Principal Meridian
is located in the Ohio River
1,735 feet
directly north
of this point.
In November, 1803,
this was the mouth
of the Ohio River.
At this location,
the Lewis and Clark
Corps of Discovery
encamped for
six days.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1803.
Location. 36° 59.254′ N, 89° 9.021′ W. Marker is in Cairo, Illinois, in Alexander County. It is on Washington Avenue (U.S. 60/62) south of U.S. 51, on the right when traveling north. Located at the entrance to Fort Defiance Park, in a parking area for the State Highway Patrol office. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cairo IL 62914, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lewis and Clark in Illinois (here, next to this marker); Lewis & Clark (here, next to this marker); Cairo Connection (a few steps from this marker); Critical River Confluence (a few steps from this marker); Cairo, Illinois (a few steps from this marker); Great River Road Information Kiosk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ohio River Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mississippi River Bridge (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Third Meridian Markers.
Photographed by Craig Swain
2. Corps of Discovery Kiosk and other Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,614 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 2, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 27, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
