East Alton

Population (2010) 6,301 Introduction East Alton became a community primarily because of railroads and a large ammunition plant. The railroad tracks still carve up the city (which side of the tracks did you grow up on?), and that ammunition plant is still around, too. History

By |2022-07-14T19:41:56-05:00December 26th, 2018|Illinois|Comments Off on East Alton

Cairo

Population (2010) 2,819 Introduction Once a bustling port at the confluence of two of the biggest rivers in the US, Cairo (pronounced CARE-o) today is a shell of its former self. The reasons for its shocking decline aren’t too hard to figure out. History The

By |2022-12-05T17:36:30-05:00December 11th, 2018|Illinois|Comments Off on Cairo

Dupo

Population (2010) 4,138 Introduction Nearly as old as neighboring Cahokia, Dupo began as a small French colonial agricultural settlement, then the railroad turned it in into a boomtown nearly overnight. The railroad is still around, and, unlike its neighbors, Dupo has seen a steady population growth for the past

By |2022-12-05T10:08:36-05:00December 3rd, 2018|Illinois|Comments Off on Dupo

East St. Louis

Population (2010) 27,006 Introduction East St. Louis is often derided for its contemporary corruption (or perception of corruption), but the reality is that the city is in the shape it is today because of poor planning, exploitation by industrial interests, and corruption that began with the town’s founding. The

By |2022-12-05T10:00:48-05:00November 23rd, 2018|Illinois|Comments Off on East St. Louis

Elsah

Population (2010) 673 Introduction Elsah was built into a ravine along Askew Creek at the base of the bluffs. It’s easy to miss as you zip by on the highway but take time to slow down and detour through the narrow streets. Tucked tightly into a small valley, you’ll

By |2022-07-14T19:27:08-05:00September 4th, 2018|Illinois|Comments Off on Elsah

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