General Hours: 8:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Alexander County

We are the southernmost county in Illinois. Our county seat is Cairo.

We've Been Here

Since 1819

Alexander County was organized out of Union County in 1819. It was named for William M. Alexander, a physician who practiced in the town of America (the first county seat).

Alexander became Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1822. The county seat was moved to Unity in 1833, then to Thebes in 1843, and finally to Cairo in 1860.

Old aerial image of Cairo in Alexander County
Old image of General Logans camp that was at Cairo in Alexander County
Vintage photo of people walking on the sidewalks in downtown Cairo in Alexander County
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Explore Communities
in Alexander County

Visited by 4 former presidents while holding office, Cairo is historically rich and located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

Tamms is known for its town slogan, "A good place to live." Tamms also once held the first ever "Super Max" prison.

On the east side of the Mississippi, East Cape Girardeau is the Illinois side of Cape Girardeau.

Thebes is known for being one of the places where president Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The courthouse where he practiced still stands today.

Located right along route 3, McClure is known for its strong wheat farming community.

Olive Branch was once considered to be the "Goose capital of the world."

Stay Up to Date

Alexander County State's Attorney

"I will always do my very best for the people of Alexander County."

– Zachary Gowin,

State’s Attorney

News and Articles

Find out recent news and interesting articles.

Do you have a question?
Call or visit us.

City Council:

2000 Washington Ave
Cairo, IL 62914
United States

General Hours:

Monday–Friday:
8:00am–12:00pm, 1:00pm–4:00pm

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