Cairo in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ohio River Bridge
Cairo, Illinois - Wickliffe, Kentucky
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009
1. The Ohio River Bridge Marker
Freed of Tolls November 11, 1948
by
The Cairo Bridge Commission
The Ohio River Bridge was conceived and built in the public interest by the Cairo Bridge Commission with the cooperation of the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works and the Highway Departments of Illinois and Kentucky. The Bridge was operated and maintained by the commission and as a result of the untiring efforts of many public spirited citizens, the commission was able to repay all costs from tolls and the highway departments of Illinois and Kentucky jointly accepted the bridge as a part of the state highway systems to be maintained as a toll free facility.
Ray Williams, Chairman
Jas. S. Johnson • M.C. Anderson
Thos. H. Cutler • W.H. Creason
John C. Fisher • Reed Green
Marion Woodward, Secretary
Engineers
Modjeski & Masters - Design & Construction
Sverdrup & Parcel - Operation & Maintenance
Contractors
Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Company - Substructure
Mount Vernon Bridge Company - Superstructure
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical date for this entry is November 11, 1803.
Location. 36° 59.3′ N, 89° 9.085′ W. Marker is in Cairo
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Great River Road Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historical Survey Marker (about 400 feet away); Lewis & Clark (about 400 feet away); Cairo Connection (about 400 feet away); Critical River Confluence (about 500 feet away); Cairo, Illinois (about 500 feet away); The Mississippi River Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cairo.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, May 1, 2021
2. The Ohio River Bridge Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009
3. The Ohio River Bridge
Looking north at the bridge crossing the Ohio.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 17, 2009
4. The Ohio River Bridge
Looking at the bridge from Fort Defiance park, near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, May 22, 2021
5. Additional Ohio River Bridge Tablets
These additional dedicatory tablets are located on the side of the former Visitor Center and Illinois State Police Station.
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 1,989 times since then and 27 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, 4. submitted on May 28, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on June 2, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia.
