Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Beginning of the Third Principal Meridian
the Third
Principal Meridian
is located
in the Ohio River
1,810 feet
directly north
of this point.
In November, 1803,
this was the mouth
of the Ohio River.
At this location,
the Lewis & 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° 59.554′ N, 89° 9.471′ W. Marker is in Cairo, Illinois, in Alexander County. Marker is on Washington Avenue (U.S. 60/62), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cairo IL 62914, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Ohio River Bridge (approx. half a mile away); Great River Road Illinois (approx. half a mile away); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (approx. half a mile away); Historical Survey Marker (approx. half a mile away); Lewis & Clark (approx. half a mile away); Cairo Connection (approx. half a mile away); Critical River Confluence (approx. half a mile away); Cairo, Illinois (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cairo.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Third Meridian Markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,026 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 2, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.