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
Population (2010) 10,657 Introduction Located along Refinery Row, Wood River is also near the location where the Lewis and Clark expedition wintered in 1803-04 before ascending the Missouri River. History Before Europeans began moving into the area, this part of Illinois was home to a
Population (2010) 1,429 Introduction Hartford is another community that sprang up largely because of a single industry, but it also has a couple of good reasons to stop in for a visit. History The place where the village of Hartford is today had few residents
Population (2010) N/A Introduction Whether you’re passing through on a day trip or sticking around for a few days, there are many ways to experience Shawnee National Forest. An extensive trail system means you can hike or ride a horse on trails that range from easy to challenging. Lakes
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
Population (2010) 436 Introduction One of the communities in southern Illinois' Little Egypt, Thebes is a small river town that grew up next to one of the most treacherous parts of the river to navigate. History A small cluster of houses that had initially been known
