Cairo IL - The Saddest Town In America

Cairo IL is the southernmost city in Illinois with a dark history. In 1909, William James and Henry Salzner were lynched publicly in the town, among several others. At this time, Cairo contained 5% of Illinoi's black population. Considering the size of the town, and the fact its total population was at 13,000, this is unbelievable. The construction that once helped establish the town would end up being its downfall. As new bridges and railways were constructed, the need for the town's ferry services dwindled. Racial tension from the all-white police and fire department also pushed a lot of people away. In 1967, there was mass rioting over the death of Robert Hunt, a 19 year old soldier returning from home. He was found hanged inside the police station. The town now only has 2,000 residents.
Photos by Inferno Imagery ( / midwestmaui )
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