Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ward Chapel AME Church
Cairo African American Heritage Trail
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 30, 2026
1. Ward Chapel AME Church Marker
Founded in 1863, the AME Church in Cairo served the physical and spiritual needs of freedman and provided a center for activism. The church aided enslaved people seeking freedom and later supported the Civil Rights Movement, hosting important figures for this cause. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 37° 0.167′ N, 89° 10.478′ W. Marker is in Cairo, Illinois, in Alexander County. It is on 17th Street south of Washington Avenue (U.S. 51). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 422 17th St, 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
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); The Cairo Public Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary J. Safford (about 300 feet away); President Clinton Visits Cairo, Illinois (about 300 feet away); The Historic First Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away); The Cairo Custom House (about 700 feet away); Seaman (about 700 feet away); York the Slave (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cairo.
Also see . . . The Cairo Historical Preservation Project. Link is the QR code on the marker. (Submitted on August 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 30, 2026
2. Ward Chapel AME Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
