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Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance: A Gateway to the Past

Step back in time at the Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance in Cairo, Illinois, and discover the engineering marvels that protected this strategic river city.

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The Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance, located in Cairo, Illinois, marks the entry to a series of tunnels and a floodgate that whisper tales of a bygone era. This early 20th-century structure offers visitors a glimpse into the engineering ingenuity required to protect the town from the surrounding rivers.

A brief summary to Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance

  • 1903 Sycamore St, Cairo, Illinois, 62914, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the tunnel can be uneven and may require some walking.
  • Bring a flashlight or mobile phone light to fully explore the darker areas of the tunnel.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you're already in Cairo, the Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance is accessible on foot. It's a short walk from the downtown area. Simply head south on Sycamore St until you reach 1903 Sycamore St. Be prepared for some uneven sidewalks along the way.

  • Public Transport

    The SouthEast Illinois Mass Transit District (SEIMTD) provides bus service throughout Alexander County. Check the SEIMTD schedule for routes and stops near the Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance. A one-way fare is typically around $1.00 - $2.00.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Cairo. A short taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance will likely cost around $5 - $10, plus tip.

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Discover more about Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance

The Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance serves as a portal to both a literal tunnel beneath a railway and a figurative tunnel through time, back to Cairo's bustling past. Located on Sycamore Street, the site features a concrete arch bridge, often referred to locally as a tunnel due to its width, constructed in 1903. Adjacent to the tunnel is a historic riveted floodgate, built in 1914 by Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Company, designed to protect the city from the floodwaters of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Cairo, Illinois, situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, held strategic importance as a steamboat and railway hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The floodgate, built on the plan of the Gatum Dam at the Panama Canal, weighs 80 tons and could be operated by only a few men. The gate was intended to seal the tunnel carrying US Highway 51 through the northern levee, turning the city into a temporary island during severe floods. Although the floodgate is no longer in use, it stands as a testament to the city's ongoing battle against the forces of nature. Today, the Historic Tunnel Cairo Entrance provides a unique opportunity to explore Cairo's rich history and appreciate the engineering marvels that once safeguarded the city. Visitors can walk through the tunnel and examine the floodgate, imagining a time when Cairo teemed with steamboats and river commerce.

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